Kavita Bisht
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy is scheduled to kick off a pivotal two-day visit to India starting Wednesday, marking the first high-level engagement between the two nations since Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour government assumed office.
Focus on India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA)
During his visit, Lammy is set to engage in extensive discussions with Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, with the agenda prominently featuring the long-awaited India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The talks are expected to address New Delhi’s concerns regarding the activities of pro-Khalistan elements in Britain, underscoring the breadth of topics on the diplomatic table.
Key Meetings and Negotiations
Lammy will also meet with Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal to reaffirm the commitment of both countries towards finalizing the proposed free trade pact. While substantial progress has been made, negotiations are still navigating challenges such as import duties on automobiles, scotch whisky, and visa facilitation for business professionals.
High-Level Discussions
The upcoming visit follows a significant phone conversation on July 6 between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK’s Keir Starmer, where both leaders expressed their dedication to swiftly concluding a mutually beneficial trade agreement. Starmer emphasized the importance of bolstering the “living bridge” between India and the UK, highlighting areas of collaboration spanning defence, security, technology, and climate action.
India-UK Roadmap and Strategic Alignment
It is expected that Jaishankar and Lammy will go over the India-UK roadmap in detail, as it is intended to broaden and strengthen bilateral collaboration in a number of areas. Initially adopted in 2021, this 10-year strategic framework aims to enhance ties in trade, economy, defence, security, climate resilience, and people-to-people connections.
Global Challenges and Broader Engagements
Beyond economic matters, Lammy and Jaishankar will also address pressing global issues, including the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and developments in the Middle East. This multifaceted diplomatic engagement underscores the strategic alignment and shared priorities between India and the UK on the international stage.
Conclusion
As David Lammy commences his significant diplomatic mission to India, expectations are high for constructive deliberations that could pave the way for a landmark trade agreement and strengthen bilateral ties across diverse domains. Stay tuned as the outcomes of these high-profile meetings unfold, potentially shaping the future trajectory of India-UK relations amidst global uncertainties and opportunities.
