The UK-India dialogue on the roadmap towards accelerated talks between the two countries on a free trade agreement (FTA), with an interim agreement factored in, is “going well” and will see “good progress” in the coming months, Indian foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla on Saturday (24) said.
Shringla, who was on a two-day visit to the UK starting Friday (23) to take stock of the Roadmap 2030 agreed between Indian prime minister Narendra Modi and his British counterpart Boris Johnson in May, said he had a range of meetings with UK interlocutors on the full spectrum of issues and does not seen any roadblocks.
Johnson might visit India around September while Modi is likely to visit the UK for the COP26 climate summit in November. Shringla’s visit ahead of those high-profile visits is considered to be a move to keep up the “intensive agreement”.
“There are several aspects to the roadmap, including the trade and investment aspect, where the Enhanced Trade Partnership envisages accelerated talks that can lead up to a comprehensive free trade agreement. The possibility of an interim agreement is also factored into that,” the foreign secretary told reporters.
“Both sides agree those talks are going well. We will see some good progress in that regard,” he said.
When asked about any roadblocks in the way of Roadmap 2030 for closer ties between India and the UK, Shringla said, “While here, we reviewed the entire range of issues and we didn't find anything which is insurmountable. Most of it is what we can do to continue to maintain the momentum.
The relationship is important enough for us to ensure there is focus at high levels, in both capitals.”
The Indian high commissioner to the UK, Gaitri Issar Kumar, said the Indian mission in London remains “very, very alert” to any roadblocks and have been engaging daily to ensure progress in dialogues at all levels.
Moglai Bap and Mo Chara of Kneecap perform at Glastonbury Festival at Worthy Farm in Pilton, Somerset, Britain, June 28, 2025. REUTERS/Jaimi Joy
Police may probe anti-Israel comments at Glastonbury
BRITISH police said they were considering whether to launch an investigation after performers at Glastonbury Festival made anti-Israel comments during their shows.
"We are aware of the comments made by acts on the West Holts Stage at Glastonbury Festival this afternoon," Avon and Somerset Police, in western England, said on X late on Saturday (28).
Irish hip-hop group Kneecap and punk duo Bob Vylan made anti-Israeli chants in separate shows on the West Holts stage on Saturday. One of the members of Bob Vylan chanted "Death, death, to the IDF" in a reference to the Israel Defense Forces.
"Video evidence will be assessed by officers to determine whether any offences may have been committed that would require a criminal investigation," the police statement said.
The Israeli Embassy in Britain said it was "deeply disturbed by the inflammatory and hateful rhetoric expressed on stage at the Glastonbury Festival".
Prime minister Keir Starmer said earlier this month it was "not appropriate" for Kneecap to appear at Glastonbury.
The band's frontman Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh was charged with a terrorism offence last month for allegedly displaying a flag in support of Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah at a concert in November. He has denied the charge.
A British government minister said it was appalling that the anti-Israel chants had been made at Glastonbury, and that the festival's organisers and the BBC broadcaster - which is showing the event - had questions to answer.
Health secretary Wes Streeting said he was also appalled by violence committed by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank.
"I'd also say to the Israeli Embassy, get your own house in order in terms of the conduct of your own citizens and the settlers in the West Bank," Streeting told Sky News.
"I wish they'd take the violence of their own citizens towards Palestinians more seriously," he said.
(Reuters)