External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar who is currently on a five-day trip to the UK, met with his newly appointed counterpart and former Prime Minister David Cameron on Monday. Cameron, whose name was announced at around 4 pm (IST), held a meeting with Jaishankar where the duo discussed the deteriorating situation in West Asia, the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and the issues related to the Indo-Pacific.
Taking to social media, Jaishankar, wrote, "A pleasure to meet UK Foreign Secretary @David_Cameron this afternoon on his first day in office. Congratulated him on his appointment." "Held a detailed discussion on realizing the full potential of our strategic partnership. Also exchanged views on the situation in West Asia, the Ukraine conflict and the Indo-Pacific. Look forward to working with him closely," he added.
Jaishankar also meets newly appointed UK Home Secretary
Interestingly, the dramatic reshuffle of Rishi Sunak's cabinet came on the same day when outgoing foreign secretary James Cleverly was scheduled for bilateral talks with Jaishankar.
Later, Jaishankar also shared pictures of newly appointed Home Secretary James Cleverly, whom he met on Sunday when he was serving as Foreign Secretary. In a social media post, Jaishankar said he discussed the importance of mobility, skills and talent in the development of our bilateral cooperation. Also, the ministers exchanged views on addressing shared concerns on extremism, economic offences, trafficking and security.
FTA will be the main highlight between India-UK talks
During his trip, it was expected that he would discuss Sunak's potential trip to India and the ongoing Free Trade Agreement between the two nations. Notably, the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership was launched in 2021 along with the India-UK Roadmap 2030 which seeks to expand ties in a range of areas.
"The roadmap is a commitment to a partnership that delivers for both the countries. The External Affairs Minister's visit will give a new impetus to the friendly ties between the two countries," the MEA said.
India and the UK have been negotiating a free trade agreement (FTA) since January last year with a target to significantly enhance the estimated GBP 36-billion bilateral trading partnership. The talks have undergone 13 rounds of negotiations, with officials hopeful of clinching a deal ahead of general elections in both countries scheduled for 2024.
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