India is committed to concluding a Free Trade Agreement with the United Kingdom, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, after meeting the visiting Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs David Lammy — the highest ranking official from the United Kingdom to visit India since the Labour party won a landslide victory in the recent election. The two sides launched the U.K.-India Technology Security Initiative, that the U.K. described as ‘landmark’.
“[I] appreciate the priority accorded by PM Keir Starmer to broaden and deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Remain committed to elevating the ties. Welcome the bilateral Technology Security Initiative and the desire to conclude a mutually beneficial FTA,” Mr. Modi said.
The UK-India Technology Security Initiative builds on past telecom agreements between the United Kingdom and India as both sides are trying to deal with the emerging security challenges and take advantage of the new investment opportunities. A statement from the U.K. authorities informed, the agreement was “spearheaded” by the National Security Advisors of the U.K. and India.
Mr. Lammy was hosted by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar for a round of talks where the two sides exchanged ideas on a wide range of issues. Mr. Jaishankar said the two sides should cooperate on “global matters on global platforms”, indicating that India is seeking collaboration with the U.K. to deal with globally relevant issues like climate action.
“We are both countries which have a big global presence in different ways. So I think it’s also important India and the U.K. work together on global issues and in global platforms,” said Mr. Jaishankar.
After meeting Mr. Modi, Mr. Lammy referred to the “unique living bridge” that connects India with the United Kingdom and said the two sides are building on “climate action while creating opportunities for British and Indian businesses”. India and the U.K. have been discussing the FTA for several years now and have been caught up in a protracted negotiation.
