UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy Visits New Delhi to Reset Economic and Security Ties
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy arrived in New Delhi on Wednesday morning for his first official visit, focusing on resetting economic ties and addressing domestic and global security concerns.
During his visit, Lammy will hold discussions with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and is likely to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal. Following his engagements in New Delhi, Lammy will depart for Vientiane on Thursday morning to attend the ASEAN Framework Foreign Minister’s Meeting.
“I am traveling to India in my first month as Foreign Secretary because resetting our relationship with the Global South is a key part of how this government will reconnect Britain for our security and prosperity at home,” Lammy stated.
Reviving the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) talks will be a top priority for Lammy. Although most of the discussions were completed during former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s tenure, the talks, which began in January 2022, stalled during the 14th round as both nations entered their general election cycles. “Our Free Trade Agreement negotiations are the floor, not the ceiling, of our ambitions to unlock our shared potential and deliver growth from Bengaluru to Birmingham. We have shared interests in the green transition, new technologies, economic security, and global security,” Lammy added.
According to a statement from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), Lammy will emphasize the importance of the “living bridge” between the UK and India, which represents the 1.7 million people of Indian heritage residing in the UK.
India is expected to discuss its concerns regarding anti-Indian, pro-Khalistani groups operating from British soil. Additionally, the Indian side is likely to raise the issue of long-pending extradition cases against businessmen Lalit Modi and Vijay Mallya.
The FCDO also mentioned that Lammy will meet with business leaders to highlight how the UK and India are collaborating on shared goals such as cutting-edge science to encourage innovation, boost trade, and improve the livelihoods of people in both countries.
