Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh participated in the Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting Ministerial Retreat in London. During the meeting, he emphasized the importance of a reformed and future-ready Commonwealth that provides tangible benefits to its members. Singh highlighted the needs of the Global South and stressed cooperation in areas such as digital public infrastructure, AI for development, disaster resilience, and economic growth.
Singh, along with other leaders, took part in a family photo session at the Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers’ Meeting. He shared the photo on social media, expressing unity and shared purpose among the ministers attending the event. The meeting aimed to strengthen cooperation and dialogue across the Commonwealth.
India’s High Commissioner to the UK, Vikram Doraiswami, welcomed Kirti Vardhan Singh upon his arrival in London for the Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting. The Indian High Commission in the UK mentioned that Singh, during his visit, would also engage in bilateral meetings with counterparts from partner countries. Additionally, Singh is set to attend Commonwealth Day celebrations in London.
The Ministry of External Affairs stated that India plays a significant role in the Commonwealth, providing technical assistance and capacity building. The Commonwealth, consisting of 56 countries, serves as a crucial platform for India to enhance its relations with Commonwealth members, especially Small States and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Singh is scheduled to meet with Commonwealth leadership and counterparts from various Member States during his visit. Samoa currently holds the position of Commonwealth Chair-in-Office.
Following his activities in the UK, Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh will travel to Chile from March 10-12 to represent the Indian government at the inauguration ceremony of President-elect Jose Antonio Kast Rist. The visit will include meetings with outgoing President Gabriel Boric Font, incoming President Rist, and the newly appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jose Francisco Perez Mackenna.
