INDIA's external affairs minister S Jaishankar met prime minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street in London on Tuesday evening, conveying “warm greetings” from Indian prime minister Narendra Modi.
Following the meeting, Jaishankar said discussions focused on strengthening bilateral and economic cooperation, as well as enhancing people-to-people exchanges. The UK’s stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict was also discussed.
“Discussed taking forward our bilateral, economic cooperation and enhancing people to people exchanges. Starmer also shared the UK's perspective on the Ukraine conflict,” Jaishankar posted on social media.
Earlier on Tuesday, Jaishankar held a series of ministerial meetings at the start of his six-day visit to the UK and Ireland.
During talks with business and trade secretary Jonathan Reynolds, both sides reviewed progress on the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations.
“Discussed the progress on our FTA talks,” Jaishankar said in a post on X after the meeting. India and the UK had relaunched negotiations on the trade deal last month during Reynolds’ visit to Delhi, with the aim of boosting the annual GBP 41-billion trade partnership.
Jaishankar also met home secretary Yvette Cooper, where discussions covered people-to-people ties and joint efforts to combat extremism. “We discussed the flow of talent, people to people exchanges, and joint efforts in tackling trafficking and extremism,” he said.
On Wednesday, Jaishankar will meet British foreign secretary David Lammy at Chevening House, where talks will focus on the UK-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Discussions will include economic growth, technological collaboration, and global challenges such as climate change. They will also cover Russia’s war in Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East.
“The opening of new Indian consulates in Belfast and Manchester demonstrates the growing links between our peoples and how we are working together to deliver growth not only in London, but across the UK,” Lammy said ahead of the meeting.
“This expansion of India's diplomatic presence will further boost our trading relationship and support the valued Indian community in the UK.”
The UK government has welcomed new Indian investment deals worth over £100 million, which are expected to create jobs and strengthen economic ties.
Ministers will also discuss the Technology Security Initiative, which aims to enhance cooperation in sectors such as Artificial Intelligence, telecoms, and critical minerals.
Jaishankar is scheduled to speak at Chatham House in London on Wednesday evening on ‘India's rise and role in the world.’
On Thursday, he will travel to Dublin for talks with Irish foreign minister Simon Harris and a meeting with the Indian community in Ireland. “India and Ireland share friendly bilateral relations based on shared democratic values, cultural ties, and growing economic engagements,” India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.
On Friday, Jaishankar will return to the UK to inaugurate a new Consulate General of India in Belfast, followed by the opening of another Indian consulate in Manchester on Saturday.
He will be accompanied by UK foreign office minister for the Indo-Pacific Catherine West.
A diaspora event marking International Women’s Day on 8 March is planned at Manchester’s Old Trafford stadium.
(With inputs from PTI)
Rishi Sunak and Akshata Murty. (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP via Getty Images) 
