Strong Trade Deal between India and the United Kingdom, Foreign Minister Jaishankar's Meeting with Prime Minister Keir Starmer
India's Foreign Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar met with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, where they discussed the ongoing Ukraine conflict and the UK's position on the matter. This meeting came at a time when India has maintained a neutral stance on the Ukraine war, not aligning with any party, be it Europe, the United States, or Russia.
A few days before this meeting, Starmer convened an urgent summit of European leaders after bitter public exchanges between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, US President Donald Trump, and Vice President JD Vance, which expressed support for Ukraine.
Jaishankar also separately met with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Indian Chevening Scholars. During his visit, India has consistently maintained a neutral position regarding the Ukraine conflict, as evidenced by India’s abstention from two United Nations resolutions last week—one from Ukraine's side and the other from the US side.
New Delhi has always advocated for a diplomatic solution, stating that peace cannot be achieved on the battlefield. It is believed that India will continue to uphold its neutral stance, reaffirming its position while respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Last week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen issued a joint statement calling for the establishment of a "just and lasting peace" based on international law and the principles of the UN Charter.
Discussions on Trade, Security, and Immigration
Jaishankar also held separate meetings with British Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and Secretary of State for Trade and Industry Jonathan Reynolds. With Cooper, the discussions focused on immigration, counter-terrorism efforts, and the fight against human trafficking. With Reynolds, they discussed the ongoing talks regarding the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
Currently, trade relations between India and the UK are valued at £41 billion (USD 52 billion), and this visit is seen as a significant moment to enhance economic cooperation. As part of these efforts, India has decided to open two new consulates in Belfast and Manchester, which will strengthen regional relations and investment opportunities.
Strategic Partnership and Global Affairs
Before opening the consulates, Jaishankar and Lammy sat together at the Chevening House to discuss the progress of the UK-India overall strategic partnership. Their discussions covered economic growth, technological cooperation, and global security concerns, particularly Russia's invasion of Ukraine and conflicts in the Middle East.
Lammy stated, “Dr. Jaishankar and I are strengthening our £41 billion trade relationship, following the resumption of trade talks in Delhi.” He further added, “This is not our goal, but the foundation that will benefit our economies.”
The ministers' discussions also touched upon the Technology Security Initiative, which was unveiled during Lammy’s visit to Delhi in July 2024. The initiative aims to enhance cooperation in artificial intelligence, telecommunications, and critical minerals, to strengthen supply chains, drive investment, and create jobs in both countries.
