EAM Jaishankar Holds Key Talks in UK on Ties, Trade & Ukraine War

London- External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar wrapped up the first day of his six-day tour of the United Kingdom and Ireland with a series of crucial meetings with the aim of consolidating bilateral relations, improving economic cooperation, and tackling global geopolitical issues. Jaishankar met UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Tuesday evening at 10 Downing Street, where they shared a broad range of topics, ranging from the Russia-Ukraine war to the future of India-UK economic relations.

In a short social media update following the meeting, Jaishankar indicated that he had extended warm regards from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to his British counterpart. He added that their talks were focused on increasing bilateral cooperation, with a specific emphasis on developing economic partnerships and enhancing people-to-people contacts.

The two leaders also discussed the UK’s position on the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Both leaders shared views on the matter, with the UK sharing its view. Jaishankar reiterated the need to continue engaging in dialogue and peaceful negotiations as a means to end the conflict, highlighting India’s resolve towards a peaceful and diplomatic solution.

Earlier during the day on Tuesday, Jaishankar had meetings with several UK officials, indicating the return of increased interest in augmenting economic links between the two countries. Of major discussion was the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which is being negotiated currently. Jaishankar held talks with the UK’s Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Jonathan Reynolds, where the two discussed the ongoing FTA talks. Both nations are interested in making the agreement official, one that will enhance the already large £41 billion yearly trade between India and the UK.

“Talks with Secretary Reynolds were centered on the negotiations for the FTA. We welcome that the process remains on track,” Jaishankar tweeted after the meeting. The FTA will provide new avenues for trade and investment, to the advantage of both economies through enhanced market access, lower barriers, and greater cooperation in important areas like technology, pharmaceuticals, and green energy.

Jaishankar’s interactions also involved a vital meeting with UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper. The discussion was on a number of security matters, but people-to-people contacts and coordinating efforts to meet extremism were areas of focus. Both leaders emphasized the significance of cooperation in curbing extremism, addressing human trafficking, and regulation of talent mobility between the two nations.

Jaishankar stressed the need for enhanced cooperation in tackling the rise of extremist ideologies, which have increasingly become a challenge in both nations. “We discussed ways to strengthen our joint efforts in addressing trafficking, extremism, and enhancing people-to-people ties,” he said.

India and the UK have had long-standing cultural and historical connections, and Jaishankar’s visit is aimed at cementing these relationships while also tackling the changing challenges both nations are facing in the contemporary world. Among the major areas of focus in the talks was to ensure that these interactions continue to accrue benefits to both societies in the areas of knowledge sharing, mobility of the workforce, and educational partnerships.

The UK visit marks the first half of Jaishankar’s diplomatic tour of the region that also includes visiting Ireland. Jaishankar’s visit was suggested by the Ministry of External Affairs to augment India’s interest in engaging in more activities both with the UK and Ireland and encompassing interests ranging from cooperation economically to foreign diplomacy.

Prior to his journey, the Ministry had stated that the initial objective of Jaishankar’s visit was to strengthen India’s strategic and economic relationship with the UK and Ireland, specifically against the backdrop of the current global geopolitical transitions. India and the UK are seeking to navigate the changing world order through closer cooperation on defense, trade, and regional security issues.

With India looking to play a larger role on the international stage, the talks in London are viewed as a key step towards ensuring that India-UK relations remain strong in the post-Brexit world. With Jaishankar continuing his interactions in both the UK and Ireland, his visit is likely to lay the groundwork for a variety of future collaborations, ranging from high-level government discussions to private sector collaborations.

Jaishankar’s current visit is a clear reflection of India’s resolve to strengthen its ties with major global partners, promoting mutual growth and security. More information on the developments of the FTA negotiations and more in-depth discussions on regional security matters are expected in the days ahead as Jaishankar’s diplomatic mission continues in Europe.

With his UK meetings now over, Jaishankar’s UK and Ireland diplomacy is likely to bear concrete fruit that will serve to deepen India’s strategic relations with these influential European countries.