March 4th 2025.
The bustling city of London welcomed the arrival of India's External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, on Tuesday as he embarked on a six-day visit to strengthen bilateral cooperation with the United Kingdom and Ireland. The Ministry of External Affairs released a statement prior to his visit, expressing the purpose of Jaishankar's trip to renew and strengthen India's friendly ties with both countries.
Highlighting the strong partnership between India and the UK, the MEA mentioned that this relationship has flourished in various areas such as defence and security, trade and economy, health, education, and people-to-people ties. During his visit, Jaishankar will engage in high-level talks with his British counterpart, Foreign Secretary David Lammy, as well as other dignitaries and members of the Indian community residing in Britain.
The discussions will revolve around crucial topics such as the ongoing negotiations for the India-UK Free Trade Agreement, foreign policy, and security issues. With the UK taking the lead in diplomatic efforts to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict, these closed-door talks will play a significant role in finding a lasting solution.
On Wednesday evening, Jaishankar will participate in a thought-provoking discussion at the Chatham House think tank in London, focusing on "India's rise and role in the world." The following day, he will travel to Dublin to meet with his Irish counterpart, Simon Harris, and interact with the Indian community in Ireland.
The MEA highlighted the friendly relations between India and Ireland, based on shared democratic values, cultural ties, and growing economic engagements. Jaishankar will then return to the UK on Friday to inaugurate a new Consulate General of India in Belfast, Northern Ireland. He will then make his way to Manchester on Saturday to open another Indian Consulate in the northern English city, accompanied by UK Foreign Office Minister for the Indo-Pacific, Catherine West.
As a special event coinciding with International Women's Day on March 8, a diaspora event is planned at the iconic Old Trafford Stadium in Manchester. Overall, Jaishankar's visit is expected to strengthen the already strong ties between India and these two European nations while also addressing important global issues and engaging with the vibrant Indian diaspora in the UK and Ireland.
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