- विज्ञापन -
Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi are set to launch a new UK-India Vision-2035 plan on Thursday. This roadmap aims to establish specific goals and milestones in key areas such as defense, technology, and energy, according to British Foreign Secretary David Lammy.
In an interview with media, Lammy emphasized that the upcoming UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) will be a central element of the talks. He described the agreement as a testament to the strong partnership between the two nations. The landmark FTA is expected to significantly improve market access and increase bilateral trade by approximately USD 34 billion annually, just before the deal is officially signed.
The UK Foreign Secretary stated that the UK-India Vision-2035 will build upon the FTA to unlock new opportunities in defense cooperation, innovation, and economic growth. He highlighted that Prime Minister Modi’s visit to sign the FTA marks the most significant bilateral trade deal for Britain since leaving the European Union and is the most comprehensive agreement India has ever signed.
Projected benefits include boosting bilateral trade by GBP 25.5 billion, increasing the UK’s GDP by GBP 4.8 billion, and raising wages by GBP 2.2 billion annually in the long term.
Lammy stressed that the visit is about much more than trade; it signifies a renewed partnership between the UK and India.
“UK-India Vision 2035 aims to foster growth, prosperity, and security for both countries,” he said. The agreement sets ambitious targets across various domains such as defense, security, technology, climate change, clean energy, and education.
The Foreign Secretary explained that the new roadmap includes cooperation in advanced technologies, critical minerals, and green finance, along with improved mechanisms for ongoing collaboration.
“It will ensure our partnership stays relevant and transformative while addressing future challenges,” he added. The partnership will be reviewed annually to keep it dynamic and responsive to global changes.
Lammy described India as a “pivotal partner” in the Indo-Pacific and Indian Ocean regions, aligned with the UK’s commitment to a free and secure region.
He emphasized India’s rising global influence, with 1.4 billion people and the fastest-growing major economy, positioning the UK to deepen its partnership over the next decade—especially in defense, combating threats like terrorism and cybercrime, and promoting regional peace.
Regarding the UK-India development partnership, Lammy clarified that since 2015, the UK has shifted from direct aid to investment-led initiatives supporting India’s climate goals and sustainable development.
“India’s choices in climate and growth will shape global outcomes. Supporting its green transition benefits vulnerable populations and supports UK priorities such as economic growth, trade, and security,” he explained.
Modi will be hosted by Starmer at his Chequers estate in Buckinghamshire for wide-ranging discussions. Both leaders are expected to sign the FTA, which aims to double bilateral trade to around USD 120 billion by 2030.
