In conversation with the British counterpart, EAM held discussions on strengthening India-UK ties and exchanged views over the ongoing conflict in Gaza and Ukraine…reports Asian Lite News
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with newly appointed UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron and conveyed his greetings on assuming charge of his new office on Monday.
In conversation with the British counterpart, EAM held discussions on strengthening India-UK strategic partnership and exchanged views over the ongoing conflict in Gaza and Ukraine.
Taking to X, Jaishankar said about his meeting, “A pleasure to meet UK Foreign Secretary @David_Cameron this afternoon on his first day in office. Congratulated him on his appointment. Held a detailed discussion on realizing the full potential of our strategic partnership. Also exchanged views on the situation in West Asia, the Ukraine conflict and the Indo-Pacific. Look forward to working with him closely.”
Notably, this is only the second time after World War II that a former Prime Minister has returned to the cabinet. Cameron had resigned as the PM in 2016 after Britain voted to leave the European Union, in a referendum that was called by him.
Earlier today, Jaishankar met with former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair and discussed bilateral ties between India and the UK. During his meeting with the former UK PM, both leaders also exchanged their thoughts on the situation in West Asia and Africa.
Earlier yesterday, EAM Jaishankar, who is on a four-day official trip to the UK, celebrated Diwali by offering prayers at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir (Neasden Temple) in London. Speaking to the media outside, he said India is the fastest-growing large economy today. “India is today the fastest-growing large economy. There is leadership. There is vision. There is good governance,” he said.
Jaishankar is currently on an official visit to the United Kingdom. He arrived in Britain on Saturday and will conclude his visit on November 15. He is scheduled to meet several other dignitaries during his visit. India and the UK have a “growing bilateral partnership”, the MEA stated in a release earlier, noting that the two countries launched a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2021.
“India and the UK share a warm and thriving relationship. The India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership was launched in 2021 along with the India-UK Roadmap 2030,” the MEA stated in its release.
“The Roadmap is a commitment to a partnership that delivers for both the countries. EAM’s visit will give new impetus to the friendly ties between the two countries,” it added.
Jaishankar lauds Cleverly
Jaishankar met UK Home Secretary James Cleverly on Monday evening and expressed appreciation for his unwavering support, underscoring the continued strength of the strategic partnership between India and the UK.
The two leaders’ meeting also delved into critical issues shaping bilateral relationships, with conversations revolving around the pivotal role of mobility, skills, and talent in fostering cooperative development.
“Met UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly at High Commissioner’s reception last evening. Met UK Home Secretary James Cleverly this evening. Discussed the importance of mobility, skills and talent in the development of our bilateral cooperation,” posted EAM Jaishankar on X.
They also exchanged views on joint efforts to address pressing concerns such as extremism, economic offences, trafficking, and security.
“Exchanged views on addressing shared concerns on extremism, economic offenses, trafficking and security. Appreciate @JamesCleverly’s continued support for our strategic partnership,” his post added.
Jaishankar, who is currently on an official visit to the UK, also engaged in a discussion with UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps. The focus of their talks was bolstering defence and security cooperation between the two nations.
“A good interaction with UK Defence Secretary @grantshapps this afternoon. Discussed enhancing defence and security cooperation between our two countries,” said Jaishankar in a post on X.
EAM meets Sunak
The EAM said, “Shubh Diwali to all of you. Nothing can be happier than being among our own people on such an auspicious occasion. I am here on a visit to the United Kingdom and it was natural that on an occasion like Deepawali, I would look for the opportunity to come & be with the members of the community…Modi Sarkar works 24*7 every day, we all know that.”
EAM Jaishankar met UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty at 10 Downing Street on Sunday and conveyed the best wishes of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Diwali, and also gifted him a Lord Ganesha statue and a cricket bat signed by Indian batting great Virat Kohli.
Taking to his official handle on X, EAM Jaishankar shared details about his meeting with the UK PM. He posted, “Delighted to call on Prime Minister @RishiSunak on #Diwali Day. Conveyed the best wishes of PM @narendramodi. India and UK are actively engaged in reframing the relationship for contemporary times. Thank Mr. and Mrs. Sunak for their warm reception and gracious hospitality.”
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