- विज्ञापन -
New Delhi: UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy arrived in New Delhi for a vital two-day visit to strengthen the UK-India economic and migration partnership. He held talks with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to bolster the strategic ties between the two countries.
The visit comes shortly after the signing of a historic Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which aims to boost bilateral trade, create jobs, and enhance prosperity in the UK. According to the UK government, this agreement is projected to increase bilateral trade by over £25 billion annually, add £4.8 billion to the UK’s GDP, and raise wages by £2.2 billion each year, offering significant benefits for ordinary citizens.
During his stay, Lammy is expected to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister Piyush Goyal, exploring avenues to encourage Indian investment in the UK and unlock new business opportunities in both markets. The FTA, finalized on May 6, is the UK’s most extensive trade deal post-Brexit, exempting 99% of Indian exports from tariffs and streamlining export procedures for key products like whisky, cars, and machinery. It also includes measures to ease cross-border taxes and investment.
The UK government also indicated that regional security concerns will be part of the agenda, with India likely raising issues related to cross-border terrorism from Pakistan. This follows the UK’s efforts to mediate and maintain communication during recent tensions between India and Pakistan. Lammy is expected to address recent regional violence and support efforts for regional stability.
Earlier, Lammy visited Islamabad on May 16, welcoming the ceasefire between India and Pakistan and emphasizing the UK’s interest in regional peace. The visit will also review progress under the UK-India Strategic Partnership, including cultural collaborations, recent trade agreements worth £400 million, and ongoing initiatives to deepen economic ties and regional stability.
