Synopsis
EAM S. Jaishankar met UK PM Keir Starmer to discuss bilateral economic cooperation and people-to-people exchanges. They also addressed the Ukraine conflict during the meeting, which was part of Jaishankar's official visit to the UK. His itinerary includes meetings with key UK leaders and future discussions in Ireland.Key Takeaways
- EAM Jaishankar met with UK PM Keir Starmer to enhance bilateral ties.
- Discussions included economic cooperation and cultural exchanges.
- Jaishankar addressed the Ukraine conflict with the UK PM.
- Meetings with key UK officials focused on talent flow and security.
- Visit aims to strengthen India's relations with the UK and Ireland.
London, March 5 (NationPress) External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar had a meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer during his official visit to 10 Downing Street in London to extend warm regards from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and to discuss enhancing bilateral economic cooperation and promoting people-to-people exchanges between the two nations.
During the meeting, the UK Prime Minister shared his insights regarding the Ukraine conflict, as mentioned by EAM Jaishankar in a post on X.
In a post on X, Jaishankar expressed, "Thrilled to meet Prime Minister @Keir_Starmer at @10DowningStreet today. I conveyed the warm regards of PM @narendramodi. We discussed the advancement of our bilateral economic cooperation and the enhancement of people-to-people exchanges. PM Starmer also shared the UK's viewpoint on the Ukraine conflict."
Additionally, the EAM met with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy and other senior officials.
In a separate post on X, the EAM expressed gratitude for the warm welcome at Chevening House and looked forward to their discussions.
"Thank you FS @DavidLammy for the incredibly warm welcome at Chevening House. Anticipating our discussions," the EAM wrote on X.
Earlier that day, EAM Jaishankar also held meetings with the Home Secretary and the Secretary of State for the Department of Business and Trade of the UK.
After meeting with Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, EAM Jaishankar noted that their discussions included topics such as the flow of talent and collaborative efforts between India and the UK to address trafficking and extremism.
He shared on X, "Had a productive meeting with Home Secretary @YvetteCooperMP today in London. We talked about the flow of talent, people-to-people exchanges, and joint initiatives to combat trafficking and extremism."
In his discussion with the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Jonathan Reynolds, EAM Jaishankar emphasized the progress in negotiations regarding the free trade agreement between India and the UK.
He stated, "Pleased to meet Secretary of State for @biztradegovuk @jreynoldsMP today in London. We had discussions about the advancements in our FTA talks."
According to a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs, EAM Jaishankar is on an official visit to the UK and Ireland until March 9, where he aims to rejuvenate India's friendly relations with both the UK and Ireland.
In Ireland, EAM Jaishankar will engage with his Irish counterpart Simon Harris, other dignitaries, and members of the Indian community.
The EAM will be in Ireland on March 6 and 7.
India and Ireland enjoy amicable bilateral relations based on shared democratic values, cultural connections, and increasing economic engagements.
The EAM's visit is set to provide a renewed impetus to India's friendly relations with both the UK and Ireland, as stated.
The meeting between the External Affairs Minister and the UK PM follows a recent public confrontation at the White House involving US President Donald Trump, Vice-President JD Vance, and President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Starmer convened a summit with European leaders in London and committed to working towards a peace agreement to conclude the war in Ukraine after the confrontation.
