In their first meeting, Modi and Starmer also agreed on the need to make progress on issues related to migration and mobility, which would involve visas for Indian professionals in the UK.
Modi announced the establishment of two new Consulates General of India in the UK-in Belfast and Manchester. He also stressed the importance of addressing the issue of economic offenders from India in the UK, as extradition of fugitives, including Vijay Mallya, remain pending.
Both leaders underlined the importance of resuming the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations at an early date and expressed confidence in the ability of the negotiating teams to address the remaining issues to mutual satisfaction, leading to a balanced, mutually beneficial and forward-looking FTA, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
Following the meeting, 10 Downing Street, Starmer’s office-cum-residence, said the UK would seek a new strategic partnership with India, including a trade agreement as well as deepening cooperation in areas such as security, education, technology and climate change.
The UK is committed to negotiating a trade deal with India, one of the fastest growing economies in the world, it said.”A new trade deal with India will support jobs and prosperity in the UK-and represent a step forward in our mission to deliver growth and opportunity across our country,” a statement released by 10 Downing Street quoted Starmer as saying after the bilateral meeting.Since 2022, India and the UK have held several rounds of negotiations to conclude the FTA but key sticking points remain such as relaxing visa rules and lowering fees for Indian students and professionals going to the UK.
Expressing satisfaction at the progress in the bilateral relationship, the two prime ministers reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with a focus on economy, trade, new and emerging technologies, research and innovation, green finance and people-to-people contacts, the PMO said.