Jaishankar meets U.K. PM Keir Starmer and Cabinet officials

Mr. 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.
| Photo Credit: X/@DrSJaishankar

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar began his visit to the U.K. on Tuesday (March 4, 2025) with a series of meetings in London with British government officials.

He met with U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, The Hindu has learned. At the time The Hindu went to press, further details of this meeting were not available.

Mr. 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 Yvette Cooper.

The two Ministers “discussed the flow of talent, people to people exchanges, and joint efforts in tackling trafficking and extremism”, according to Mr. Jaishankar.

Mr. Jaishankar is also set to open two consulates — in Belfast (on March 7) and Manchester (on March 8).

“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 David Lammy said.

Mr. Lammy and Mr. Jaishankar are due to meet at Chevening House on Wednesday. Chevening is the U.K. government’s scholarship and fellowship programme for foreign students.

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.

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