External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar’s visit to the United Kingdom from March 4-9 provided fresh momentum to the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated on Monday.

During his visit, Jaishankar met British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy. He also held discussions with Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper. The engagements covered strategic coordination, trade, mobility, technology, and people-to-people exchanges.

The visit reaffirmed the commitment of both nations to enhancing political, economic, and cultural ties. Discussions with Starmer highlighted the progress in Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations, deepening technology cooperation, and addressing key global issues, including the Ukraine conflict.

At Chevening House, Jaishankar and Lammy reviewed the upcoming Roadmap 2.0, aimed at energizing India-UK relations. Talks also included discussions on regional and global developments, such as the situation in West Asia, Bangladesh, and the Commonwealth.

Trade and investment were key focal points in Jaishankar’s meeting with Business and Trade Secretary Reynolds, where both sides reiterated the importance of reducing trade barriers and expanding market access. Meanwhile, his discussions with Home Secretary Cooper emphasized bilateral cooperation on talent mobility and countering extremism. He also raised concerns about the security of Indian missions and diplomats in the UK.

A significant highlight of the visit was the inauguration of the Consulate General of India in Belfast, Northern Ireland, which aims to boost trade, education, and technology ties. The event was attended by local dignitaries, including Northern Ireland Assembly Speaker Edwin Poots and Honorary Consul Lord Diljit Rana.

Jaishankar also met Northern Ireland’s Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly and Junior Minister Aisling Reilly to explore cooperation in skills development, cybersecurity, and manufacturing. At Queen’s University in Belfast, he underscored the importance of its upcoming campus in GIFT City, Gujarat, as a key milestone in India-UK educational collaboration.

Another landmark event was the inauguration of the Consulate General of India in Manchester, the fourth Indian consulate in the UK. This move fulfills a long-standing demand of the Indian diaspora and strengthens diplomatic ties in Northern England. The ceremony was attended by Deputy PM Rayner and FCDO Minister for Indo-Pacific Catherine West.

The new consulate is expected to enhance trade, cultural exchanges, and sports collaborations. During his visit to Manchester, Jaishankar engaged with Indian community members and business leaders at Old Trafford, emphasizing the growing bilateral partnership.