How will PM Modi's Visit Strengthen India-UK Relations?

New Delhi, July 22 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to engage in extensive discussions with his UK counterpart, Keir Starmer, aimed at further enhancing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), during his upcoming two-day trip to London beginning Wednesday.

"This marks the Prime Minister's fourth visit to the United Kingdom since he took office. His previous visits were in 2015, 2018, and for the COP26 Summit in Glasgow in 2021. In the past year alone, Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Starmer have convened twice, first during the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro last year, and recently in June in Kananaskis, Canada, on the sidelines of the G7 Summit. They have also maintained regular communication via phone," stated Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri during a media briefing before PM Modi's two-nation trip to the UK and Maldives.

During their talks, Prime Minister Modi and Starmer will address various regional and global matters, and thoroughly evaluate the full spectrum of India-UK bilateral relations, specifically in areas like trade and economy, technology and innovation, defence and security, climate, health, education, and cultural exchanges.

Additionally, PM Modi will meet with King Charles III and connect with business leaders and the Indian community residing in the UK.

"In addition to the high-level engagements, there are ongoing interactions between the External Affairs Minister and the British Foreign Secretary. Numerous institutional frameworks exist at the ministerial level dealing with strategic, financial, economic, energy, and scientific matters. Nowadays, sectors like business, technology, research, education, and innovation are pivotal to our bilateral collaboration. The Technology-Security Initiative (TSI), nearing its first anniversary, exemplifies our commitment to advancing ties in critical and emerging technologies," noted Foreign Secretary Misri.

Addressing trade relations, the Foreign Secretary remarked: "Our bilateral trade exceeded USD 55 billion in 2023-24. The UK ranks as the sixth largest investor in India, with a total investment of USD 36 billion. Interestingly, India is also a significant source of foreign direct investment in the UK, contributing USD 20 billion. Nearly 1000 Indian firms in the UK employ around 100,000 individuals and generate a total revenue of USD 91 billion."

He also highlighted the UK-India Infrastructure Finances Bridge, coordinated between NITI Aayog and the City of London, which aims to leverage UK expertise in securing financing for green infrastructure projects in India.

Discussing defence ties, Misri stated, "We are witnessing consistent interactions and exercises among the three branches of the armed forces. We have stationed military instructors at one another's academies, and a significant recent partnership project involves exploring electric propulsion capabilities between our nations."

Moreover, the Foreign Secretary mentioned the collaboration between the Serum Institute of India and UK's Oxford University to co-develop a malaria vaccine that received World Health Organization (WHO) approval in 2023. He recalled their previous cooperation in developing the Covishield vaccine during the COVID-19 pandemic.

He also noted that the University of Southampton has established a campus in Gurugram under the new education policy, with several other UK universities contemplating similar initiatives in India.

The Foreign Secretary underscored the significance of the Indian diaspora in the UK, stating it has played a vital role in fortifying bilateral relations and has significantly contributed to British society and economy.

"A cornerstone of this relationship is the Living Bridge connecting India and the UK, with nearly 1.8 million strong Indian diaspora that has bolstered friendships between the two nations and made invaluable contributions to the UK economy and society," Misri commented.

Over the years, the relationship between India and the UK has evolved into a robust, multifaceted, and mutually beneficial partnership, elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2021. Notable growth has been observed across various sectors, including trade and economy, defence and security, climate initiatives, green energy, health, education, and interpersonal ties.

There exist five ministerial-level institutional frameworks focusing on strategic, economic, finance, trade, energy, and scientific collaboration. Recent dialogues include Foreign Office consultations, a Defence Consultation Group, and 2+2 Foreign and Defence Dialogue.

The climate partnership between India and the UK remains strong, with the UK actively participating in India's International Solar Alliance and Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) initiatives. The One Sun One World One Grid-Green Grid Initiative was launched with the UK during COP26 in Glasgow, with the UK providing technical assistance for CDRI initiatives, including Infrastructure for Resilient Island States (IRIS) for Small Developing Island States (SIDS). Climate Finance is another area of collaboration between the two nations.