How Did EAM Jaishankar Express Gratitude to the UK for Supporting India's Anti-Terrorism Efforts?

New Delhi, June 7 (NationPress) External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar expressed profound appreciation to the United Kingdom government for its unwavering support in India's battle against terrorism, particularly in the case of the atrocious Pahalgam terror attack that occurred on April 22.

"First, I want to extend my gratitude to the UK Government for their emphatic condemnation of the savage terrorist incident in Pahalgam, located in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, and for standing in solidarity with India in the ongoing fight against terrorism. We adhere to a policy of zero tolerance for terrorism and expect our partners to grasp this principle. We will never accept the notion that the perpetrators of such evil acts should be equated with their victims," stated EAM Jaishankar during the opening remarks of his discussions with David Lammy, the UK’s Foreign Secretary, at Hyderabad House in New Delhi.

Lammy arrived in India on Saturday morning for a pivotal two-day visit aimed at assessing and enhancing the economic and migration partnership between the two nations. He met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi prior to engaging in bilateral discussions with EAM Jaishankar.

“David, it’s a pleasure to welcome you back to India. Following your productive meeting with Prime Minister Modi, your visit allows us to review our comprehensive strategic partnership, which has strengthened across all areas recently. We have had consistent high-level political and official engagements,” remarked EAM Jaishankar.

Lammy's visit coincides with the recent historic Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signed between both countries on May 6. Jaishankar noted that the FTA, along with the Double Contribution Convention, is a landmark achievement that will significantly boost bilateral trade and investment while positively impacting other strategic dimensions of India-UK relations.

“Since your last visit to India, we have seen considerable advancements in various initiatives, particularly the Technology Security Initiative (TSI), which aims to foster deeper collaboration in essential technology sectors such as AI, Semiconductors, Telecom, Quantum, HealthTech/Bio-Tech, Critical Minerals, and Advanced Materials,” the EAM added.

“We have also initiated the Strategic Exports and Technology Cooperation Dialogue, with its inaugural meeting held this week. This initiative will enhance the TSI’s effectiveness in promoting trade in critical and emerging technologies, including resolving important licensing and regulatory challenges,” he continued.

The visit by the UK Foreign Secretary is viewed as a crucial step in paving the way for a potential visit from UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to India in the near future.

EAM Jaishankar emphasized that the UK-India infrastructure financial bridge can facilitate quality long-term capital inflows from the UK to India, greatly aiding in infrastructure development.

According to projections from the UK government, the new trade agreement is expected to elevate bilateral trade by over £25 billion annually, boost the UK’s GDP by £4.8 billion, and increase wages by £2.2 billion each year, yielding substantial economic advantages for the working populace.

“There is excellent collaboration in the education sector, with numerous universities planning to set up campuses in India. Additionally, on the people-to-people front, I had the honor of inaugurating two new consulates in Manchester and Belfast. There is so much more to discuss, which is precisely why we are convening today,” he noted.

Following his meetings with PM Modi and EAM Jaishankar, Lammy is scheduled to engage with key players in the Indian industry to explore avenues for increasing Indian investment in the UK and unlocking fresh opportunities in both markets.

In addition to discussions with top Indian officials, he will also converse with Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal later in the day.

Prior to his visit, the UK Foreign Office mentioned that Lammy is also anticipated to address the recent surge in tensions following the Pahalgam terrorist attack and how best to support the sustained period of peace in the region for the sake of stability.