‘Strategic ties stronger than ever’: Jaishankar after India-UK FTA conclusion

S Jaishankar

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlighted the recent conclusion of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and the Double Contribution Convention as a significant milestone that will boost two-way trade and investment and strengthen supply and value chains.

During his meeting with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, Jaishankar expressed India's commitment to a zero-tolerance policy against terrorism and emphasized the expectation that partners respect this stance, reported ANI.

"I am pleased to welcome you back to India. We just had a very productive meeting with Prime Minister Modi, and your visit provides an excellent opportunity to evaluate our comprehensive strategic partnership, which I believe has strengthened across various sectors recently," he stated.

He acknowledged that the recent conclusion of the India-UK FTA and the Double Contribution Convention not only enhances trade and investment but also positively impacts other strategic aspects of bilateral relations.

Jaishankar asserted, "India will never tolerate the perpetrators of evil being equated with their victims." He thanked the UK government for its strong condemnation of the barbaric terrorist attack in Pahalgam, located in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, and for expressing solidarity and support for India in its fight against terrorism.

The minister also noted that the UK-India infrastructure financial bridge could unlock quality long-term capital flows from the UK to India. "There is excellent collaboration in the education sector, with many universities planning to establish campuses in India," he added.

Jaishankar concluded by stating that people-to-people ties between the two countries are growing stronger.

(With ANI Inputs)