India and the United Kingdom have launched a new technology security initiative aimed at boosting economic growth and deepening bilateral collaboration. This announcement came during the first official visit to India by the new British Foreign Secretary, David Lammy. The initiative will focus on key technologies, including critical minerals, AI, semiconductors, and telecoms.
The agreement also emphasizes cooperation in areas such as climate, trade, technology, and education. In talks with his Indian counterpart, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, both sides agreed to enhance defense and security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region and discussed global issues, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
David Lammy stated that his visit to India reflects the new government’s priority of resetting relations with Europe and the Global South. The UK’s new Labour Party government, which came to power after the July 4 election, aims to “reset and relaunch” UK-India relations. This includes restarting formal talks on a free trade agreement, which had been initiated in 2022.
During his visit, Lammy also met with Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Modi welcomed the technology security initiative and expressed optimism about concluding a free trade agreement. The trade deal aims to double bilateral trade from its 2022 level of $50 billion by 2030.
Previous negotiations held 13 rounds without reaching a breakthrough before being paused for the 2024 general elections in both countries. The renewed efforts signify a strong commitment to enhancing economic and strategic ties between India and the UK.
Source: Economic Times
