Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with the UK Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, David Lammy, on Wednesday. During their meeting, Modi expressed his commitment to strengthening the relationship between India and the UK. He praised the efforts of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to expand the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations. Modi shared his thoughts on the social media platform X, calling the meeting a pleasure and appreciating the importance given by the UK to deepen their ties.
Before meeting Prime Minister Modi, David Lammy had discussions with India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in New Delhi. Lammy emphasized the UK’s commitment to enhancing bilateral ties and welcomed the Technology Security Initiative and the ongoing efforts to finalize a mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement (FTA). He is visiting India as the first high-level official from the newly elected Labour government under Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
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
David Lammy’s Role and Statements
David Lammy, 51, succeeded the Conservatives’ David Cameron as the UK’s top diplomat. He previously served as the Labour Party’s spokesperson for international affairs for over two years.
During his campaign, Lammy emphasized the importance of resetting the UK-India partnership, aiming to secure a Free Trade Agreement to boost economic growth in both countries. He acknowledged India as an emerging superpower with a population of 1.4 billion and one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.
Lammy highlighted the shared interests between the UK and India in areas such as the green transition, new technologies, economic security, and global security. His visit aims to promote a new partnership between the two countries, focusing on these key areas. A statement from the British High Commission mentioned that Lammy’s two-day tour would underscore the importance of this partnership and explore opportunities for greater collaboration.
Meetings with Business and Climate Leaders
During his visit, Lammy plans to meet with India’s Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and engage with climate and business leaders. These meetings aim to unlock the full potential of the UK-India partnership. The British High Commission stated that Lammy’s visit would emphasize the ‘Living Bridge’ between the two nations, representing the 1.7 million people of Indian heritage living in the UK who have significantly contributed to British society.
Lammy will also highlight the extraordinary contributions of British Indians to the UK’s social and economic landscape. His visit underscores the importance of this community in strengthening ties between the two nations.
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Upcoming ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
After he visits India, Lammy is scheduled to attend the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Laos. There, he will focus on advancing UK economic partnerships and announcing new initiatives on climate and health. This visit marks an important step in reinforcing the relationship between the UK and India, with an eye on broader regional cooperation in Southeast Asia.
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