Our Bureau
New Delhi
India and the UK have committed to expeditiously enhance their bilateral partnership in line with current global dynamics, as stated by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs during UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy’s visit to New Delhi. Lammy held individual meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.
The UK and India have agreed to a new Technology Security Initiative that will deepen collaboration on critical and emerging technologies in priority areas like telecoms, AI, quantum computing, and semiconductors. The initiative was negotiated by the National Security Advisors of both countries and represents a bold new approach to the UK-India partnership in these defining technologies of the decade.
The key focus areas for the bilateral engagement are trade and investment, defense and security, migration and mobility, information technology, artificial intelligence, science and technology, innovation, climate, and green energy.
Lammy tweeted on X, “The UK-India relationship is indispensable. It’s fantastic to be in Delhi as we announce a UK-India Technology Security Initiative to boost investment, create jobs, and address future challenges.”
Also, Minister Jaishankar called it a “productive and engaging discussion” and said, “Noted the immense potential to take forward the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, building on close links in trade and economy, defense and security, education, IT, digital, space and high tech, culture, mobility, and people-to-people ties.”
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and India’s Department of Science and Technology jointly announced a GBP 7-million funding call for future telecoms research as part of their India-UK science, technology, and innovation partnership.
The External Affairs Ministry noted that significant progress had been made in the India-UK FTA negotiations, with both sides aiming for an early conclusion to secure a mutually beneficial agreement. India and the UK also agreed to strengthen their defense and security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond, focusing on enhancing their capabilities to counter threats from non-state actors. Additionally, the Technology Security Initiative will be coordinated and monitored by the National Security Advisors of both countries.
This visit by the British Foreign Secretary was the first high-level engagement with New Delhi since the Labour government led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer took office three weeks prior.
