NEW DELHI, Mar 10 : External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who was the target of heckling by Khalistani activists during his London visit, brought up the issue of the safety and security of Indian Missions and diplomats during his talks with UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper.
During the talks, EAM also reiterated the need to expeditiously bring to justice, the perpetrators of attacks on the premises of HCI London, which took place two years ago when Khalistani activists clambered up the balcony of the Indian High Commission and attempted to remove the Indian national flag and replace it with a Khalistani flag. India had then raised the issue very strongly with the UK side.
EAM also emphasized the need to address the growing concerns over the increasing anti-India activities of pro-Khalistani Extremism elements, a statement said.
During his meeting with the UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds, the two sides focussed the progress of India-UK FTA negotiations. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing trade and investment opportunities, emphasizing the need to reduce trade barriers and expand market access.
In his meeting with Prime Minister Keir Starmer, EAM conveyed the warm greetings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Both sides noted the positive momentum in India-UK relations, particularly with the resumption of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations. They also recognised the strengthening of technology cooperation and deepening of people-to-people ties, and discussed key global issues, including the Ukraine conflict.
EAM was welcomed at Chevening House by Foreign Secretary David Lammy. EAM and Foreign Secretary Lammy held extensive discussions covering the full spectrum of India-UK relations, including strategic coordination, political cooperation, trade negotiations, education, technology, mobility, and people-to-people exchanges.
They reviewed progress on the new Roadmap 2.0 being discussed by the two sides that will impart fresh energy and new momentum to the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. They also exchanged views on regional and global developments, including the Ukraine conflict, West Asia, Bangladesh, and the Commonwealth. Both leaders interacted with Chevening Scholars from India, recognizing the crucial role that education and youth play, in fostering stronger bilateral ties.
EAM Jaishankar participated in a conversation at Chatham House with its Director and Chief Executive Bronwen Maddox, where he spoke on shifting geopolitics, geoeconomics, India-UK relations, and India’s perspective on global affairs.
EAM inaugurated the Consulate General of India in Belfast, Northern Ireland, in the presence of several distinguished local dignitaries, including the Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly Edwin Poots; Minister Fleur Anderson; Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Micky Murray; and India’s Honorary Consul, Lord Diljit Rana. The opening of the Consulate marks a significant step in strengthening India’s presence in Northern Ireland, facilitating enhanced trade, business, technology, and educational linkages.
He also met with Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland Emma Little-Pengelly and Junior Minister Aisling Reilly at Stormont Castle. They explored opportunities for deeper collaboration in key areas such as skills development, cybersecurity, technology, creative industries, and manufacturing.
EAM visited Queen’s University in Belfast, where he underscored the importance of their upcoming campus in GIFT City, Gujarat, as a testament to the growing India-UK partnership in the higher education sector. He also interacted with Indian students currently studying at Queen’s University, discussing their experiences and aspirations.
EAM inaugurated the Consulate General of India in Manchester, the fourth Indian Consulate in the UK, fulfilling a long-standing demand of the Indian diaspora and strengthening India’s diplomatic outreach in Northern England.
The ceremony was attended by the Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, FCDO Minister for Indo-Pacific Catherine West, Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester Paul Dennett and MP of Stockport Navendu Mishra.
There was great enthusiasm that the new Consulate will help enhance trade, cultural exchanges, people to people ties, including in the realm of sports. During his meeting with Deputy Prime Minister, EAM acknowledged her support in the establishment of the Consulate in Manchester. EAM also interacted with members of the Indian community and business leaders at Old Trafford.
The UK visit reaffirmed the strong ties between India and the United Kingdom, injecting fresh momentum into the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. It reinforced both nations’ commitment to strengthening political, economic, and people-to-people collaboration in an evolving global landscape, the statement added.
During his visit to Ireland, EAM called on Michael D Higgins, President of Ireland, and held discussions on the growing bilateral ties and exchanged views on regional and global developments.
EAM held delegation level talks with his Irish counterpart DPM and FM Simon Harris and reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral cooperation and key global and regional matters of mutual interest.
The Ministers expressed satisfaction over the progress in diverse sectors including in trade and economy, education, mobility, culture, tourism and people to people exchanges. They also discussed expanding collaboration in the Higher Education sector, and exploring avenues for creating further opportunities for businesses and professionals from both countries in new and emerging sectors including in cyber security, AI, Fin-tech, and semiconductors.
Irish DPM and FM presented to EAM a copy of the Irish Government’s Action Plan aimed at enhancing Ireland’s engagement with India. An MoU on diplomatic exchanges was signed during the visit, aimed at deepening institutional cooperation and experience sharing on training programmes for diplomats. Further, recognizing the importance of growing bilateral trade and economic ties, the two sides agreed to set up an India-Ireland Joint Economic Commission.
At an event organized at the University College of Dublin, EAM spoke on India’s view of the World and interacted with prominent academicians and scholars and discussed perspectives on global affairs.
EAM paid floral tributes to the Statue of Rabindranath Tagore in St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin. He also interacted with the Indian community members in Ireland, appreciating their rich contributions to the Irish society.
EAM’s visit to Ireland, taking place within the first two months of the new government in Ireland, underscores the priority both sides attach on further strengthening bilateral ties and the commitment for sustained engagements, the statement added.
(UNI)
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