NEW DELHI: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street in London on Tuesday evening, conveying “warm greetings” from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Their discussions focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation, economic ties, and the UK’s stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
“Discussed taking forward our bilateral economic cooperation and enhancing people-to-people exchanges. PM Starmer also shared the UK’s perspective on the Ukraine conflict,” Jaishankar posted on social media.
As part of his six-day visit to the UK and Ireland, Jaishankar engaged in multiple high-level meetings on Tuesday. He met UK Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds to review progress on the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations.
“Discussed the progress on our FTA talks,” he said in a post on X, referring to the ongoing negotiations aimed at bolstering the GBP 41-billion annual trade relationship between the two nations. Talks had resumed last month during Reynolds’ visit to Delhi.
Jaishankar also held discussions with UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, focusing on immigration, talent mobility, and joint efforts to combat extremism and human trafficking.
“We discussed the flow of talent, people-to-people exchanges, and joint efforts in tackling trafficking and extremism,” he noted.
Before the visit, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) emphasized that the trip would play a crucial role in deepening India’s relations with both the UK and Ireland.
