British Foreign Secretary David Lammy has arrived in New Delhi for a two-day visit, marking the first high-level engagement between the UK and India since Keir Starmer's Labour government took office. Lammy's visit is set to focus on strengthening ties between the two nations, with discussions expected to address the long-awaited India-UK free trade agreement (FTA) and concerns over pro-Khalistan activities in the UK.
Arriving on the morning of July 24, 2024, Lammy's visit aims to emphasize the significance of a renewed partnership between the UK and India, focusing on economic, domestic, and global security. During his trip, he will meet with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal. Additionally, Lammy plans to engage with climate and business leaders to explore the full potential of UK-India cooperation.
David Lammy's Agenda: Strengthening UK-India Relations Through Economic Growth, Security, and Climate Action British Foreign Secretary David Lammy’s visit to India is set to be a pivotal moment in enhancing UK-India relations. His agenda is centered around three key areas: economic growth, security, and climate action.
1. Economic Growth: Lammy will work to advance discussions on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the UK and India, a significant step towards boosting trade and investment between the two nations. He aims to unlock new opportunities for economic collaboration and growth.
2. Security: In meetings with Indian ministers, Lammy will address mutual security concerns, focusing on strengthening cooperation to enhance both countries' domestic and global security frameworks. This includes discussions on joint efforts to combat emerging threats and bolster security partnerships.
3. Climate Action: A major component of Lammy’s visit will involve pushing for greater collaboration on green technologies and climate initiatives. He will engage with business leaders and policymakers to promote joint efforts in clean energy transitions and climate resilience projects. Lammy is particularly keen on partnering with India on global initiatives aimed at building clean power access and addressing climate challenges in vulnerable regions.
Key Meetings:
With Indian Ministers: Lammy will hold high-level talks with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal to discuss strategic and economic matters. With Business Leaders: He will meet with leaders from India’s technology sector to explore ways to enhance innovation and trade. Lammy’s visit underscores the UK’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with India, driving forward shared ambitions in economic development, security, and environmental sustainability.
One of Lammy's key goals is to reset the UK-India partnership by reinforcing the UK's commitment to securing a Free Trade Agreement, which he views as a crucial step for mutual growth. Reflecting on his campaign, Lammy remarked, "India is the emerging superpower of the 21st century, with a rapidly growing economy and a population of 1.4 billion. Our Free Trade Agreement negotiations represent only the beginning of our ambitious goals to unlock shared potential and drive growth from Bengaluru to Birmingham."
Lammy will also advocate for accelerated climate action, positioning India as a vital partner in addressing the climate crisis. He plans to discuss collaboration on Indian-led global initiatives focused on clean energy, climate resilience, and supporting small island states.
The Foreign Secretary will highlight the significant role of the Indian diaspora in the UK, with over 1.7 million people of Indian heritage contributing greatly to British society. He will visit India’s third-largest technology company to discuss how the UK and India are partnering on cutting-edge science and innovation to enhance trade and improve living standards.
After concluding his visit to India, Lammy will proceed to the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' meeting in Laos to further UK economic partnerships and unveil new initiatives in climate and health.
Recent Updates:
UK Deputy PM Downplays "Islamist Nuclear State" Remark by Trump VP Pick
EU Removes Hungary as Host for Foreign Ministers' Meeting Over Ukraine Stance
India’s Fighter Jets Get a Makeover: Rs 63,000-Cr Upgrade to Transform Sukhoi-30MKIs