• External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar began his visit to the U.K. with a series of meetings in London with British government officials.
  • Jaishankar also met with Trade and Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds to discuss the India-U.K. “free trade” deal (FTA), the Minister said on social media site X.
  • The Minister, who is visiting the U.K. and Ireland to deepen the partnerships with both countries, also met with U.K. Home Secretary.
  • The two Ministers “discussed the flow of talent, people to people exchanges, and joint efforts in tackling trafficking and extremism”, according to Mr. Jaishankar.
  • He is set to open two consulates — in Belfast and Manchester.
  • “This expansion of India’s diplomatic presence will further boost our trading relationship and support the valued Indian community in the U.K.,” Foreign Secretary said.
  • The Ministers will discuss the Technology Security Initiative, launched during Mr. Lammy’s visit to Delhi in July 2024.
  • They are expected to discuss collaboration in sectors such as critical minerals, artificial intelligence, and telecoms as well as opportunities for resilient supply chains and affordable healthcare, the U.K. Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said.