Appreciate priority accorded by UK Prime Minister to deepen ties with India: PM Modi

New Delhi, July 24: Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his appreciation for the priority given by the newly-elected Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer, to enhance the comprehensive strategic partnership between India and the UK. This sentiment was shared during a meeting with the UK Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, David Lammy.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Prime Minister Modi stated: "A pleasure to meet UK FS @DavidLammy. 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."

Minister of External Affairs, Dr. S. Jaishankar, also commented on his meeting with Foreign Secretary Lammy on X: "Productive and engaging discussions with UK Foreign Secretary @DavidLammy this evening. Noted the immense potential to take forward the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, building on close links in trade & economy, defense & security, education, IT, digital, space & high tech, culture, mobility, and people-to-people ties. Welcomed the launch of the Technology Security Initiative that will open new avenues for collaboration. Also exchanged perspectives on regional and global issues and cooperation in multilateral forums."

David Lammy arrived in New Delhi on Wednesday morning. Randhir Jaiswal, the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, welcomed him on X: “Warm welcome to UK Foreign Secretary @DavidLammy as he arrives in New Delhi on his first official visit since the assumption of office. The visit will strengthen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries and will make the 'living bridge' between India and UK strong.”

During his opening remarks at the meeting, Dr. Jaishankar expressed his pleasure at Lammy's visit: “Delighted to welcome you to India on your first official visit in that capacity. I remember your last visit in March and our meeting in London last November. It is great to see you in this responsibility, I convey my good wishes for your success, look forward to working with you. I believe our relationship is very important with enormous possibilities. How we explore those possibilities and realize our potential in a more meaningful way is one of the tasks I look forward to undertaking with you. Our countries have a significant global presence, so it's important that India and the UK work together on global issues and platforms, which I hope will be part of our conversation.”

India-UK Relations

India and the United Kingdom share a deep and multifaceted relationship, rooted in a long history of economic, cultural, and political ties. The two countries have maintained a strong bond through the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, established in May 2021, aimed at enhancing cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, defence, and security, as well as combating climate change and fostering people-to-people connections.

The "living bridge" between the two nations refers to the significant Indian diaspora in the UK, which plays a crucial role in strengthening bilateral relations. This community serves as a vital link, contributing to cultural exchange and mutual understanding.

Recent years have seen a concerted effort to deepen this partnership, with high-level visits and dialogues focused on expanding trade and investment opportunities. The ongoing negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) underscore the commitment of both nations to foster economic growth and mutual prosperity.

In addition to economic ties, India and the UK have collaborated on various global issues, including climate action, counter-terrorism, and health security. The bilateral Technology Security Initiative mentioned by Prime Minister Modi signifies a forward-looking approach to addressing common challenges in the digital and technological domains.