In a significant visit, External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr. S. Jaishankar paid an official trip to the United Kingdom from March 4-9, 2025, at the invitation of UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy. During this time, EAM also visited Ireland on March 6-7, 2025.
During his stay in the UK, EAM held comprehensive talks with his counterpart Foreign Secretary David Lammy and met with key stakeholders across government, businesses, academia, and the Indian diaspora. In his meeting with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, EAM conveyed the warm greetings of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and both leaders noted the positive momentum in India-UK relations.
The two leaders recognised the strengthening of technology cooperation and deepening of people-to-people ties, and discussed key global issues, including the Ukraine conflict. EAM was welcomed at Chevening House by Foreign Secretary Lammy, where they reviewed progress on the new Roadmap 2.0 being discussed by the two sides.
EAM also met with Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds, focusing on the progress of India-UK FTA negotiations. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing trade and investment opportunities. In his meeting with Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, EAM discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation on talent mobility, people-to-people exchanges, and joint efforts to combat trafficking and extremism.
The visit also included a conversation at Chatham House where EAM spoke on shifting geopolitics, geoeconomics, India-UK relations, and India's perspective on global affairs. Additionally, EAM inaugurated the Consulate General of India in Belfast, Northern Ireland, marking a significant step in strengthening India's presence in Northern Ireland.
EAM participated in meetings with Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland Emma Little-Pengelly and Junior Minister Aisling Reilly at Stormont Castle to explore opportunities for deeper collaboration in key areas such as skills development, cybersecurity, technology, creative industries, and manufacturing. The visit also included a visit to Queen's University in Belfast, where EAM underscored the importance of their upcoming campus in GIFT City, Gujarat.
Furthermore, EAM inaugurated the Consulate General of India in Manchester, fulfilling a long-standing demand of the Indian diaspora and strengthening India's diplomatic outreach in Northern England. The ceremony was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, FCDO Minister for Indo-Pacific Catherine West, and other prominent dignitaries.
The visit reaffirmed the strong ties between India and the United Kingdom, injecting fresh momentum into the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. It reinforced both nations' commitment to strengthening political, economic, and people-to-people collaboration in an evolving global landscape.