External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar calls on UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street, London on March 5, 2025.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has wrapped up a productive visit to the United Kingdom, with high-level discussions reflecting what is being described as a “positive momentum” in bilateral ties.
During his visit to the UK from March 4-9, 2025, EAM Jaishankar called on UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner.
He held comprehensive talks with his counterpart Foreign Secretary David Lammy, and met with Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper. During the visit, EAM also engaged with key stakeholders across government, businesses, academia, and the Indian diaspora, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Monday (March 10, 2025).
“The visit reaffirmed the strong ties between India and the United Kingdom, injecting fresh momentum into the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. It reinforced both nations’ commitment to strengthening political, economic, and people-to-people collaboration in an evolving global landscape,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Monday (March 10, 2025).
EAM Jaishankar also visited Ireland on March 6-7, 2025.
Positive Momentum in Bilateral Ties After FTA Negotiations Resume
During his meeting with Prime Minister Starmer, EAM Jaishankar conveyed the warm greetings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“Both leaders noted the positive momentum in India-UK relations, particularly with the resumption of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations. They also recognised the strengthening of technology cooperation and deepening of people-to-people ties, and discussed key global issues, including the Ukraine conflict,” the MEA said.
Progress of the India-UK FTA negotiations was also the focus of EAM Jaishankar’s meeting with the Secretary of State for Business and Trade. According to the MEA, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing trade and investment opportunities, emphasizing the need to reduce trade barriers and expand market access
India and the United Kingdom officially resumed negotiations for a FTA in February this year, marking a renewed push to strengthen economic ties between the two nations.
Imparting Fresh Energy to the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
Discussions between EAM Jaishankar and his UK counterpart, Foreign Secretary David Lammy, covered the full spectrum of India-UK relations, including strategic coordination, political cooperation, trade negotiations, education, technology, mobility, and people-to-people exchanges.
“They reviewed progress on the new Roadmap 2.0 being discussed by the two sides that will impart fresh energy and new momentum to the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,” the MEA said.
They also exchanged views on regional and global developments, including the Ukraine conflict, West Asia, Bangladesh, and the Commonwealth. Additionally, both leaders interacted with Chevening Scholars from India, recognizing the crucial role that education and youth play, in fostering stronger bilateral ties.
Growing Concerns Over Increasing Anti-India Activities
Bilateral cooperation on talent mobility, people-to-people exchanges, and joint efforts to combat trafficking and extremism came up for discussion when EAM Jaishankar met Home Secretary Cooper.
During the meeting, EAM Jaishankar brought up the safety and security of Indian Missions/Posts and diplomats and reiterated the need to expeditiously bring to justice the perpetrators of attacks on the premises of the High Commission of India in London. “He also emphasized the need to address the growing concerns over the increasing anti-India activities of PKE elements,” the MEA added.
While in London, EAM Jaishankar also participated in a conversation at Chatham House with its Director and Chief Executive Bronwen Maddox, where he spoke on shifting geopolitics, geoeconomics, India-UK relations, and India’s perspective on global affairs.
Inauguration of Consulates in Belfast, Manchester
One of the highlights of EAM Jaishankar’s visit was the inauguration of Consulates General of India (CGIs) in Belfast in Northern Ireland and Manchester.
The inauguration ceremony in Belfast saw the presence of distinguished local dignitaries, including the Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly Edwin Poots; Minister Fleur Anderson; Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Micky Murray; and India’s Honorary Consul, Lord Diljit Rana.
The opening of the Consulate marks a significant step in strengthening India’s presence in Northern Ireland, facilitating enhanced trade, business, technology, and educational linkages, the MEA said.
EAM Jaishankar also met with Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland Emma Little-Pengelly and Junior Minister Aisling Reilly at Stormont Castle. According to the MEA, they explored opportunities for deeper collaboration in key areas such as skills development, cybersecurity, technology, creative industries, and manufacturing.
While in Belfast, the Indian External Affairs Minister visited Queen’s University, where he underscored the importance of their upcoming campus in GIFT City, Gujarat, as a testament to the growing India-UK partnership in the higher education sector. He also interacted with Indian students currently studying at Queen’s University, discussing their experiences and aspirations.
The Consulate General of India in Manchester became the fourth Indian Consulate in the UK, fulfilling a long-standing demand of the Indian diaspora and strengthening India’s diplomatic outreach in Northern England. The new Consulate will help enhance trade, cultural exchanges, people to people ties, including in the field of sports.
