In a diplomatic stride that reverberated with
historical resonance, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar concluded his
recent visit to United Kingdom, solidifying the enduring ties between the two
nations.
The visit not only provided a fresh impetus to
bilateral cooperation but also unfolded against the backdrop of significant
strides in the Bharat-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the ambitious
Roadmap 2030.
“External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar recent visit
to United Kingdom further consolidated the long-standing historical ties
between the two countries and provided a new impetus to bilateral cooperation
in diverse areas against the backdrop of progress on the Bharat-UK
Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and Roadmap 2030,” said the Ministry of
External Affairs.
Jaishankar paid an official visit to United Kingdom
from November 11-15. The EAM called on UK PM Rishi Sunak, and held talks with
his new counterpart David Cameron. He met Home State Secretary James Cleverly; Defence
State Secretary Grant Shapps and National Security Adviser Tim Barrow.
In his meeting with the Prime Minister, EAM extended
Diwali greetings and conveyed best wishes on behalf of Prime Minister Narendra
Modi.
PM Sunak and the EAM expressed satisfaction at positive
momentum in enhancing the Bharat-UK relationship as an important factor in
addressing contemporary challenges.
They also reviewed implementation of Roadmap 2030 and
discussed ongoing negotiations for a Bharat-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
The EAM met Foreign Secretary Cameron on his first day
in office and congratulated him on his appointment.
They discussed avenues to realise the full potential
of Bharat-UK partnership in avenues ranging from cooperation in political,
economic and trade, defence and security, science and technology, innovation,
health, education, people-to-people connections and mobility.
They also exchanged views on important global
developments including the Indo-Pacific, the situation in West Asia, and the
Russia-Ukraine conflict.
With Home Secretary Cleverly, EAM discussed the
importance of mobility in skills and talent in the development of bilateral
cooperation, and exchanged views on addressing extremism, trans-border crimes
including economic offences and trafficking.
In EAM’s meeting with Defence Secretary Shapps, they
focused on enhancing defence and security cooperation, recognizing that ‘Make
in India’ offers a wealth of opportunities to UK companies for potential
industrial partnerships.
Jaishankar and NSA Tim Barrow discussed recent
developments including in West Asia, Indo-Pacific and Russia-Ukraine. They
underscored the need for close collaboration on combating violent extremism and
radicalism and agreed to deepen and expand dialogue on these and other shared
concerns.
He met the former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, Leader
of the Opposition Keir Starmer, Shadow Foreign Secretary David Lammy, along
with Shadow Minister of State for Asia & the Pacific, Catherine West.
Jaishankar addressed the Indian diaspora at a Diwali
Reception at Westminster Palace, in which Minister of State Lord Tariq Ahmad
also offered greetings on behalf of His Majesty’s Government.
The EAM visited the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple at
Neasden. He unveiled two 8th Century Yogini sculptures from a temple in the
village of Lokhari in Uttar Pradesh, which have been recovered in the UK and
will shortly be sent back to Bharat.
During the visit, he participated in a conversation on
– How a Billion People See the World – at a Policy Event held in partnership
with Wilton Park and the Royal Overseas League.
The event, moderated by the eminent political
commentator Lionel Barber, was attended by parliamentarians, diplomats,
journalists, academicians and business leaders.
ANI
