Building capacity

• India’s visit to the UK and Ireland was influenced by a security breach, but the Minister of External Affairs, S. Jaishankar, announced a “very big pickup” in India-UK relations.
• India is building its capacities in the UK with two consulates in Manchester and Belfast.
• Jaishankar’s extended talks with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy focused on the delayed conclusion of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
• India and the EU committed to concluding their Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) by the end of 2025.
• India’s more lenient position on import duties with the U.S., which have been a sticking point, will benefit the FTA talks.
• India’s decision to reduce tariffs on wines, spirits, motor and electric vehicles in deference to U.S. President Trump’s demands is a case in point.
• The visit followed visits by a high-power EU delegation and a senior ministerial and business team led by Belgian Princess Astrid.
• As geopolitical and geo-financial calculations are being reworked across the Atlantic, India stands to gain by accelerated diplomacy and offering a hand of friendship to both sides.