Deepening of India-UK relations in various areas including economic, diplomatic, fight against terrorism are topping agenda of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s ongoing six day official visit to the United Kingdom.
His six-day visit starting March 4, 2025 trip also highlights the ongoing discussions surrounding the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and enhanced diplomatic engagement between the two nations.
One of the key engagements during Jaishankar’s visit was his meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street on March 4.
In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), Jaishankar conveyed the warm greetings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Starmer, and expressed his satisfaction with the discussions held on advancing bilateral economic cooperation and strengthening people-to-people exchanges. The minister also mentioned that the UK PM shared the country’s perspective on the ongoing Ukraine conflict, a subject of significant global concern.
Additionally, Jaishankar held talks with several other British ministers, including Foreign Secretary David Lammy, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, and Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Jonathan Reynolds. These meetings have been very important in furthering the discussions on key issues, ranging from talent mobility to countering extremism and deepening trade relations.
Free Trade Agreement
One of the most critical topics during Jaishankar’s visit has been the progress of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The FTA negotiations, which were officially resumed during a UK ministerial visit to India in February 2025, have taken center stage in strengthening bilateral trade ties.
He met with Jonathan Reynolds, the UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade, where the two discussed the latest developments in the FTA talks. The minister shared that the discussions were moving forward, highlighting the importance of the agreement in promoting economic growth. As reported previously by FinancialExpress.com, the FTA is expected to bring about several benefits, including greater market access for Indian goods and services, and a reduction in tariffs on Indian exports to the UK.
India is particularly focused on securing better access for its students and workers, as well as a social security agreement.
Additionally, the FTA is expected to eliminate tariffs on a variety of Indian goods, further boosting the £41-billion annual trade partnership.
Tackling Extremism and Enhancing Security Cooperation
Jaishankar also held an important meeting with UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper. The two leaders discussed critical issues such as the flow of talent between India and the UK, joint efforts to tackle human trafficking, and addressing extremism. These areas are crucial for both countries, especially in the context of strengthening security and ensuring safe migration and exchanges.
On X, Jaishankar described the meeting as ‘good,’highlighting their discussions on the flow of talent and enhancing cooperation in combating trafficking and extremism. “A good meeting with Home Secretary @YvetteCooperMP today in London. We discussed the flow of talent, people-to-people exchanges, and joint efforts in tackling trafficking and extremism,” Jaishankar posted.
Meeting with Chevening Scholars and the Indian Diaspora
On the evening of March 4, Jaishankar met with Chevening Scholars from India, alongside Foreign Secretary David Lammy. The Chevening program, which offers scholarships to exceptional students from around the world, has long been a vital platform for fostering ties between India and the UK.
In his message on X, Jaishankar expressed his delight in meeting these scholars, calling them ‘great advocates’ of India-UK ties. He emphasized that the scholars were a ‘vivid expression of our talent and people-to-people exchanges,’ highlighting the role of education and cultural exchange in strengthening bilateral relations.
Diplomatic Presence
On March 7, Jaishankar will inaugurate a new Indian Consulate in Belfast, Northern Ireland, followed by the opening of another consulate in Manchester on March 8. These new consulates will increase India’s diplomatic footprint in the UK, bringing the total number of Indian consular missions in the UK to four, including the Indian High Commission in London and the Consulate General in Birmingham.
This expansion is particularly significant as it demonstrates India’s growing diplomatic presence in the UK, a country where India has a large and influential diaspora. Interestingly, while the UK has nine diplomatic missions in India, India has now positioned four consulates across the UK, a move that underscores the increasing importance of the bilateral relationship.
Later this week, Jaishankar will travel to Ireland on March 6-7. During his visit to Dublin, he will meet his Irish counterpart, Simon Harris, as well as other dignitaries and members of the Indian community. India and Ireland share a strong partnership rooted in shared democratic values and growing economic cooperation.
His itinerary also includes a session at Chatham House in London, where he will deliver a talk on ‘India’s Rise and Role in the World.’