India and the United Kingdom have unveiled a new technology security initiative that promises to strengthen economic ties and enhance cooperation between the two nations. This announcement came during the inaugural official visit of Britain’s new Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, to India.

The agreement, revealed late Wednesday, outlines collaborative efforts in key technological areas such as critical minerals, artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, and telecommunications. This initiative also aims to bolster cooperation on climate change, trade, technology, and education. The British Foreign Secretary's office released a statement highlighting these goals.

In his discussions with Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Lammy emphasized the need to enhance defense and security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. They also addressed global concerns, including the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, according to the Indian Foreign Ministry's statement.

Lammy's visit underscores one of the new British government’s key foreign policy objectives: to recalibrate relationships with Europe and engage more effectively with the Global South.

Following the July 4 election, which saw a significant victory for the Labour Party, the new government aims to "reset and relaunch" UK-India relations. This includes renewing discussions on a free trade agreement, which was initially highlighted by former Prime Minister Boris Johnson as a critical objective following Brexit in 2020.

During his trip, Lammy also met with Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Modi expressed his enthusiasm for the new tech security initiative and noted that India is eager to finalize a free trade agreement. Modi shared his optimism on social media platform X.

A pleasure to meet UK FS @DavidLammy. Appreciate the priority accorded by PM @Keir_Starmer to broaden and deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Remain committed to elevating the ties. Welcome the bilateral Technology Security Initiative and the desire to conclude a… pic.twitter.com/7bGWZuJlOk

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 24, 2024

The trade deal aims to double bilateral trade from $50 billion in 2022 to $100 billion by 2030. Johnson had previously promised to complete the deal by Diwali in October 2022. Despite 13 rounds of negotiations, no agreement was reached, and talks were suspended due to the general elections in both countries.

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