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.
The foreign minister held a series of high-level meetings with key UK leaders, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, Foreign Secretary David Lammy, among others. He engaged with a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including government officials, businesses, academia, and the Indian diaspora.
Strengthening Diplomatic and Trade Ties
Jaishankar conveyed warm greetings from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to UK PM Starmer. The two leaders recognised the growing momentum in India-UK relations, particularly highlighting the resumption of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations. They also noted the significant strengthening of cooperation in technology and people-to-people exchanges. Additionally, their discussions touched on key global issues including the ongoing Ukraine conflict, underscoring a shared commitment to addressing major geopolitical challenges together.
The foreign minister also held extensive talks with Foreign Secretary Lammy at Chevening House, where the two leaders reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral relations. Discussions covered a wide range of areas, including strategic coordination, political cooperation, trade negotiations, education, technology, mobility, and people-to-people exchanges. Both sides are working on an updated “Roadmap 2.0” to inject fresh energy and momentum into the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Trade, Business, and Security Cooperation
Jaishankar’s meeting with Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds focused on the progress of the India-UK FTA negotiations. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to boosting trade and investment opportunities, including efforts to reduce trade barriers and expand market access for both nations.
In his meeting with Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, the external affairs minister discussed enhancing bilateral cooperation on talent mobility, people-to-people exchanges, and collaborative efforts to combat trafficking and extremism. The safety and security of Indian Missions and diplomats were also addressed, with Jaishankar emphasizing the need to expedite justice for those responsible for recent attacks on the High Commission of India in London. He raised concerns over the growing activities of anti-India elements within the UK.
Engagement with Academia and the Indian Diaspora
In a conversation at Chatham House, Jaishankar spoke on key global issues such as shifting geopolitics, geoeconomics, and India’s perspective on global affairs, particularly in relation to India-UK ties.
A landmark moment of the visit was the inauguration of the Consulate General of India in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The new Consulate marks a pivotal step in enhancing India’s diplomatic presence in Northern Ireland, facilitating stronger trade, business, and educational ties.
EAM Jaishankar also visited Queen’s University in Belfast, where he highlighted the growing India-UK partnership in higher education, exemplified by Queen’s University’s upcoming campus in GIFT City, Gujarat. He interacted with Indian students currently studying there, discussing their experiences and aspirations.
New Consulate in Manchester
In another significant development, EAM Jaishankar inaugurated the Consulate General of India in Manchester, the fourth Indian Consulate in the UK.
The new Consulate addresses the long-standing demand of the Indian diaspora in the region and is expected to play a crucial role in strengthening trade, cultural exchanges, and people-to-people ties, including in the realm of sports.
The foreign minister also met with Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, acknowledging her support in establishing the new Consulate in Manchester.
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