Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy arrived in New Delhi on June 7 morning for a crucial two-day official visit aimed at reviewing and advancing the UK-India economic and migration partnership. He held bilateral discussions with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to further strengthen the strategic relationship between the two countries.
According to an official statement issued by the UK government, “The visit follows the historic Free Trade Agreement signed between the two countries and will deliver on this government’s commitment to boost jobs and prosperity back in the UK, as part of the government’s Plan for Change.”
In addition to meetings with top Indian officials, Lammy will also meet Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal. The two leaders will explore further opportunities to generate economic growth and expand market access for British businesses operating in India.
The visit comes on the heels of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signed on May 6, a landmark accord expected to transform bilateral commerce. As per UK government projections, the new trade deal will increase bilateral trade by over £25 billion annually, raise UK’s GDP by £4.8 billion, and enhance wages by £2.2 billion each year, resulting in tangible economic benefits for working-class citizens.
Lammy will engage with key figures in the Indian industry to explore ways to increase Indian investment in the UK and unlock new opportunities in both markets. His visit is seen as an important step in preparing the ground for a potential visit to India by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in the near future.
The FTA, finalised on May 6, is set to exempt 99 per cent of Indian exports from tariffs and simplify procedures for British firms exporting products such as whisky, cars, and machinery to India. This agreement, the largest trade deal signed by the UK since Brexit, also includes a double contribution convention to ease tax compliance and promote cross-border investments.
