NEW DELHI: External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar concluded his official visit to the United Kingdom from March 4-9, at the invitation of UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy. During this period, he also visited Ireland from March 6-7, reinforcing India’s growing international engagements.
These discussions covered strategic coordination, political cooperation, trade negotiations, education, technology, mobility, and people-to-people exchanges.
EAM Jaishankar’s visit underscored the deepening India-UK relationship through high-level meetings with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, Foreign Secretary David Lammy, Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds, and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper.
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During his meeting with Prime Minister Starmer, EAM conveyed warm greetings from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Both leaders acknowledged the positive momentum in India-UK relations, particularly with the resumption of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations, enhancement of technological cooperation, and strengthening of people-to-people ties. They also discussed pressing global issues, including the Ukraine conflict.
At Chevening House, Foreign Secretary Lammy hosted EAM Jaishankar, where they reviewed progress on the new Roadmap 2.0, aimed at injecting fresh momentum into the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Their discussions extended to regional and global developments, including matters concerning West Asia, Bangladesh, and the Commonwealth.
EAM also engaged with Indian Chevening Scholars, emphasizing the role of education and youth in fostering bilateral ties.
Boosting Trade, Mobility, and Security Cooperation
The India-UK FTA negotiations remained a focal point in EAM’s meeting with the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Jonathan Reynolds. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to reducing trade barriers, enhancing investment opportunities, and expanding market access.
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With Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, EAM discussed talent mobility, people-to-people exchanges, and joint efforts to combat trafficking and extremism. He also highlighted the safety and security concerns of Indian Missions and diplomats, stressing the urgent need to bring to justice those responsible for past attacks on the High Commission of India in London.
Additionally, he raised concerns regarding growing anti-India activities by extremist elements.
Strengthening Diplomatic Presence in the UK
A major milestone of the visit was the inauguration of the Consulate General of India in Belfast, Northern Ireland. This marks a significant expansion of India’s diplomatic presence in the UK, facilitating deeper trade, business, technology, and educational collaborations.
The event was attended by several distinguished local dignitaries, including Northern Ireland Assembly Speaker Edwin Poots, Minister Fleur Anderson, Lord Mayor of Belfast Councillor Micky Murray, and India’s Honorary Consul Lord Diljit Rana.
EAM also met with Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland Emma Little-Pengelly and Junior Minister Aisling Reilly at Stormont Castle. Their discussions focused on strengthening partnerships in cybersecurity, technology, manufacturing, and creative industries.
At Queen’s University in Belfast, EAM highlighted India-UK collaboration in the higher education sector, referencing the university’s upcoming campus in GIFT City, Gujarat. He also engaged with Indian students studying at Queen’s University, discussing their academic experiences and future aspirations.
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EAM further extended India’s diplomatic reach by inaugurating the Consulate General of India in Manchester—the fourth Indian Consulate in the UK. This move was well received by the Indian diaspora and business community, as it is expected to enhance trade, cultural exchanges, and people-to-people ties, including in sports. The inauguration ceremony saw the presence of Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, FCDO Minister for Indo-Pacific Catherine West, Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester Paul Dennett, and Stockport MP Navendu Mishra.
Engaging with Thought Leaders and the Indian Diaspora
As part of his UK visit, EAM participated in a conversation at Chatham House with its Director and Chief Executive Bronwen Maddox. He spoke on shifting geopolitics, geoeconomics, India-UK relations, and India’s perspective on global affairs. Additionally, EAM interacted with Indian community members and business leaders at Old Trafford, further strengthening engagement with the diaspora.
The visit reaffirmed the robust India-UK relationship, injecting fresh momentum into their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. By deepening political, economic, and people-to-people collaborations, both nations demonstrated their commitment to navigating the evolving global landscape together. As discussions on the FTA and Roadmap 2.0 progress, India and the UK continue to reinforce their strategic partnership, setting the stage for future growth and cooperation.
