How is Foreign Secy Misri's Visit Advancing India-UK Cooperation?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Vikram Misri has arrived in London for his first bilateral visit.
- The visit aims to strengthen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and the UK.
- Significant agreements include a Free Trade Agreement and Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).
- Key sectors for collaboration include trade, technology, defence, climate, and education.
- The past year has been described as an exceptional year for India-UK relations.
London, Nov 4 (NationPress) Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri has landed in London for his inaugural bilateral visit as India and the United Kingdom work towards enhancing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and fostering collaboration across vital sectors.
In a post on X, the Indian High Commission in the UK shared a photo of Misri alongside India's High Commissioner to the UK, Vikram Doraiswami, stating, "Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri arrives in London for his first bilateral visit, building on the momentum from the recent visits of the two Prime Ministers. His meetings will strengthen the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and advance cooperation across key areas."
On October 31, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar highlighted that the relationship between the two nations has transformed from a complex historical connection to a vibrant and forward-thinking partnership, noting that the past year has been an "exceptional year" for their "modern relationship".
EAM Jaishankar made these remarks during an event hosted by the British High Commission in India on King Charles' birthday in New Delhi. The celebration followed a pivotal year for UK-India ties, during which both nations agreed on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), established a shared vision for 2035, and witnessed reciprocal visits from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
"Our ties have evolved from a complicated historical association to a dynamic and forward-looking partnership. This past year has been truly exceptional for our modern relationship. Earlier this month, we welcomed Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Mumbai, accompanied by the largest trade delegation from the UK. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the UK three months prior, during which the historic Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement was signed. We also adopted a Vision 2035 to steer our relationship across five pillars: Growth, Technology and Innovation, Defence and Security, Climate and Clean Energy, and Education. Additionally, we introduced a Defence Industrial Roadmap for the first time," stated EAM Jaishankar during the UK National Day celebrations.
Earlier in October, accompanied by the largest-ever trade delegation from the UK, Starmer visited India for two days at the invitation of PM Modi. This was his first official visit to India since taking office, where he engaged in extensive discussions with PM Modi, focusing on strengthening ties.
Starmer's visit came after PM Modi's trip to the UK in July, where he met Starmer at the UK Prime Minister's country residence in Chequers, conducting both one-on-one and delegation-level discussions.
Both leaders applauded the signing of the historic India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), elevating the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to new heights while significantly boosting bilateral trade, investment, economic collaboration, and job creation in both nations.