How is UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy Strengthening Ties in India?

New Delhi, June 7 (NationPress) - UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy touched down in New Delhi on Saturday morning for an essential two-day official visit designed to evaluate and enhance the UK-India economic and migration partnership. He engaged in bilateral talks with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to fortify the strategic alliance between the two nations.

According to a statement from the UK government, "This visit comes in the wake of the historic Free Trade Agreement signed between the two nations and aims to fulfill the government's pledge to create jobs and prosperity in the UK, in line with the government's Plan for Change."

Throughout his two-day visit, Lammy is also anticipated to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In addition to discussions with senior Indian officials, Lammy will meet with Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal.

The two leaders will investigate further avenues for driving economic growth and broadening market access for British enterprises operating in India.

This visit follows the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) inked on May 6, a groundbreaking agreement poised to revolutionize bilateral trade.

According to projections from the UK government, the new trade deal is expected to amplify bilateral trade by over £25 billion annually, elevate the UK's GDP by £4.8 billion, and boost wages by £2.2 billion each year, delivering significant economic advantages for working-class individuals.

The Foreign Secretary will connect with prominent figures in the Indian industry to explore ways to enhance Indian investment in the UK and unlock new opportunities in both markets.

His visit is perceived as a crucial step in laying the groundwork for a potential visit to India by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in the near future.

The FTA, finalized on May 6, is set to exempt 99 percent of Indian exports from tariffs and streamline processes for British companies exporting goods such as whisky, cars, and machinery to India.

This agreement, the largest trade deal signed by the UK since Brexit, also encompasses a double contribution convention to simplify tax compliance and promote cross-border investments.

In conjunction with economic discussions, Indian officials are expected to address the urgent matter of cross-border terrorism originating from Pakistan.

This follows the UK's role in facilitating communication with both India and Pakistan amidst heightened military tensions between the two countries last month.

The UK government remarked, "The Foreign Secretary is also expected to discuss the recent rise in tensions following the Pahalgam terrorist attack and how the welcomed sustained period of peace can be optimally supported for regional stability."

Importantly, Lammy had previously conducted a two-day visit to Islamabad on May 16, during which he commended the understanding reached on May 10 between India and Pakistan to cease military actions, demonstrating the UK's commitment to regional stability.

This visit will also assess the progress made under the UK-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, as pledged by the Prime Ministers of both countries.

This includes reviewing developments under the UK-India Programme of Cultural Cooperation Agreement signed in May and evaluating the £400 million in trade and investment deals announced during the Economic and Financial Dialogue in April, aimed at strengthening the economies of both nations.