UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy's Landmark Visit to Strengthen UK-India Partnership

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy begins a two-day visit to India, aiming to reinforce economic, domestic, and global security partnerships. Key meetings with Indian leaders will focus on the Free Trade Agreement and climate collaboration. Lammy underscores the vital 'Living Bridge' between the two nations.

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy touched down in New Delhi on Wednesday, marking the first high-profile visit by the UK's newly-elected Labour government. The two-day mission aims to underscore the significance of an enhanced UK-India partnership centered on economic, domestic, and global security.

Lammy, on his inaugural visit to the country, is scheduled for critical discussions with India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal. Besides political dialogue, Lammy will engage with climate and business leaders to fully realize the potential of UK-India relations, as per a statement from the British High Commission. These talks will prioritize resetting the bilateral partnership, highlighting the UK's commitment to finalizing a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to spur economic growth in both nations.

In a pre-visit statement, Lammy referred to India as a 'superpower of the 21st century,' noting its 1.4 billion populace and rapidly accelerating economy. Lammy emphasized that the UK-India Free Trade Agreement negotiations symbolize only the beginning of broader bilateral ambitions in green technology, economic, and global security. He expressed that reestablishing ties with the Global South, starting with India, is crucial for Britain's security and prosperity.

Lammy also intends to champion enhanced climate action, with India as pivotal to propelling clean energy initiatives and creating opportunities for both British and Indian enterprises. Discussing collaborative efforts on Indian-led global programs to boost climate resilience, the visit aims to lock in commitments for clean energy access and other sustainability projects.

The Foreign Secretary will underscore the 'Living Bridge' that encompasses 1.7 million people of Indian heritage residing in the UK, celebrating their significant contributions to British society. His schedule includes a visit to a leading Indian tech firm to highlight ongoing UK-India collaboration in science, trade, and innovation, aiming to better the livelihoods of citizens in both nations.

Furthermore, Lammy will participate in high-level governmental talks, spotlighting the remarkable contributions of British Indians that strengthen the UK's socio-economic fabric. The visit concludes with an emphasis on unlocking the potential of the UK-India partnership, aimed not only at mutual prosperity but extending benefits globally. Following his India trip, Lammy will head to the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' meeting in Laos to further the UK's economic and climate action initiatives. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)