London, March 9 (NationPress) Kirti Vardhan Singh, Minister of State for External Affairs, convened with Chris Elmore, the UK's Minister for Latin America, Caribbean and Multilateral, during the Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting (CFAMM) on Monday. The discussions centered on enhancing cooperation between the two nations and collaborating with partners to promote reforms within the Commonwealth.

India's High Commissioner to the UK, Vikram Doraiswami, along with other officials, attended the meeting.

"Kicked off Day 2 at CFAMM26 with a meeting alongside Chris Elmore at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. We explored avenues to strengthen India-UK cooperation and engage with partners to advance Commonwealth reforms, bolster its relevance and efficiency, and work on the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow 2026 and India’s hosting in 2028," Singh shared on X.

On the previous day, Singh had a session with Commonwealth Secretary General Shirley Botchwey, focusing on amplifying the Commonwealth’s influence in development, trade, and responsible AI, as well as advancing reforms concerning the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) and membership, while leveraging India’s Digital Public Infrastructure to promote governance and inclusion across member states.

"Concluded a busy Day 1 at CFAMM26 with a meeting with Commonwealth Secretary General Shirley Botchwey. Our discussions centered on enhancing the Commonwealth’s role in development, trade, and responsible AI, advancing CHOGM reforms and membership, and utilizing India’s Digital Public Infrastructure for improved governance and inclusion among member states," he posted on X.

Singh also engaged with E.P. Chet Greene, Antigua and Barbuda's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Following their meeting, Singh shared on X: "On the sidelines of CFAMM26, I met E.P. Chet Greene, discussing ways to expand cooperation in digital public infrastructure (UPI), defense, trade and investment, healthcare and pharma, alongside health, education, sports, and capacity building, while enhancing our partnership with CARICOM: Caribbean Community."

Additionally, Kirti Vardhan Singh met with Rob Oliphant, Parliamentary Secretary to Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, to discuss strengthening bilateral ties and advancing cooperation in various mutual areas of interest.

"On the sidelines of CFAMM26, held a bilateral meeting with Rob Oliphant, focusing on building on the recent renewed momentum in India-Canada relations following Prime Minister Mark Carney’s visit to India. Our discussions aimed at enhancing bilateral engagement and advancing cooperation in shared interests," he shared on X.

During the Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting, Singh reaffirmed India’s dedication to collaborating with member nations to bolster the Commonwealth's effectiveness.

"During the CFAMM26 Minister’s Meeting, I welcomed the positive reform momentum in the Commonwealth under Secretary General Shirley Botchwey, appreciating the efforts to enhance transparency and introduce a forward-looking agenda. I also expressed support for the 28th CHOGM reforms to be more focused and outcome-oriented, reaffirming India’s commitment to strengthen the Commonwealth's effectiveness," he stated.

Singh participated in the Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting Ministerial Retreat in London, advocating for a reformed, future-ready Commonwealth that delivers tangible benefits for its members.

"Beginning my day’s engagements during my inaugural official visit to the UK, I took part in the CFAMM26 Minister’s Retreat at Lancaster House, calling for a reformed, future-ready Commonwealth that delivers real benefits for its members, emphasizing the needs of the Global South and the importance of cooperation in digital public infrastructure, AI for development, disaster resilience, and economic growth," he wrote on X.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) noted that India is a significant contributor to the Commonwealth, assisting the organization with technical support and capacity building. The Commonwealth, comprising 56 countries, serves as a crucial platform to deepen India’s engagement with its members, particularly Small States and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

After wrapping up his engagements in the UK, MoS Singh is set to travel to Chile from March 10-12 to represent the Indian government at the inauguration ceremony of President-elect, Jose Antonio Kast Rist.