UK-India Relations

The Minister has recently had discussions with his Indian counterpart to strengthen the UK-India relations. The Minister highlighted the importance of the UK-India partnership, which is a key priority for the government. He emphasized that the two countries share a deep and longstanding relationship, built on shared values and common interests. The Minister noted that the discussions focused on a range of areas, including trade and investment, defense and security, and people-to-people links. He expressed the government's commitment to further deepening the bilateral cooperation in these areas, as well as exploring new opportunities for collaboration. Regarding trade and investment, the Minister stated that the UK and India are working closely to enhance the economic ties between the two countries. He mentioned that the ongoing negotiations for a UK-India Free Trade Agreement are progressing well and that both sides are committed to reaching a mutually beneficial agreement. On defense and security, the Minister highlighted the importance of the strategic partnership between the UK and India, particularly in the context of the evolving global security landscape. He reiterated the government's support for India's role as a key partner in addressing regional and global challenges. The Minister also emphasized the significance of people-to-people links, noting that the strong cultural and educational exchanges between the UK and India are crucial for strengthening the bilateral relationship. He expressed the government's desire to further facilitate these exchanges and promote greater understanding and collaboration between the two countries. Overall, the Minister's statement underscored the government's commitment to deepening the UK-India partnership across various domains, with the aim of fostering a stronger, more dynamic, and mutually beneficial relationship between the two countries.