Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, currently on a diplomatic visit to the UK, met with British Foreign Secretary David Cameron to discuss advancing a Free Trade Agreement and partnerships on defense, science, and technology.
The meeting on Monday involved discussions on the strength of the UK-India relationship and the ambition of the UK-India 2030 Roadmap. The leaders also addressed shared global challenges, including concerns in Israel and Gaza, and the war in Ukraine, as well as the importance of the Indo-Pacific region to global growth and prosperity, according to the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office.
India and the UK are currently in the process of negotiating a Free Trade Agreement, with talks beginning in 2022 and the 12th round of negotiations taking place from August 8-31 this year. The India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the India-UK Roadmap 2030 were initiated in 2021, committing to a partnership that delivers for both countries.
During the visit, Jaishankar also congratulated David Cameron on his appointment as UK Foreign Secretary and expressed his anticipation of working closely with him. This comes in the wake of a cabinet reshuffle by UK PM Rishi Sunak, in which former Prime Minister David Cameron was appointed UK Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs following the dismissal of former Home Secretary Suella Braverman.
During his five-day visit, Jaishankar also paid a visit to PM Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty at 10 Downing Street, presenting them with best wishes from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for Diwali. Moreover, he met with the UK PM and gifted him a Lord Ganesha statue and a cricket bat signed by Indian batting great Virat Kohli.
Overall, Jaishankar’s visit to the UK encompasses discussions on strengthening bilateral ties, including a Free Trade Agreement and partnerships on areas of mutual interest, in addition to diplomatic pleasantries and exchanges of well-wishes.
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