India, UK review entire gamut of bilateral relationship
New Delhi, December 3. India and the UK reviewed their entire gamut of the bilateral relationship during the second 2+2 Foreign and Defence Dialogue held here on December 2.
The Indian delegation was led by Piyush Srivastava, Joint Secretary (Europe West) in the Ministry of External Affairs, and Vishwesh Negi, Joint Secretary(International Cooperation) in the Ministry of Defence while the UK delegation was led by Ben Mellor, India Director, Indian Ocean Directorate, Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Shimon Fhima, Director (Strategic Programmes) in the Ministry of Defence.
“Both sides discussed the entire gamut of India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and emphasized the importance of sustained high-level engagement to advance the dynamic partnership between the two countries,” a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs reads. “The delegations reviewed progress under the India-UK Roadmap 2030 and agreed on the need to revitalise the partnership by identifying new focus areas of collaboration and work towards a refreshed roadmap.”
It stated that the discussions covered key priorities including strengthening economic and trade ties with focus on early conclusion of mutually beneficial free trade agreement (FTA), bolstering defence and security ties including in areas of cyber and counter terrorism, fostering innovation in critical and emerging technologies, deepening cooperation in clean and green energy and technology, health and enhancing cultural, educational and people-to-people linkages.
“The two sides appreciated the progress on diverse sectors including the launch of new key initiatives such as the Technology and Security Initiative, UK-India Infrastructure Finance Bridge, Electric Propulsion Capabilty Partnership, and progress on the Defence Industrial Roadmap,” the statement further reads. “The dialogue provided an opportunity to exchange views on recent global and regional developments. Both sides reiterated their shared vision for peace, stability, and prosperity in a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.”
The India-UK 2+2 Foreign and Defence Dialogue is a significant bilateral mechanism aimed at enhancing cooperation in foreign policy and defence. It underscores the strategic partnership between the two nations, providing a platform to address global and regional security challenges, enhance defence collaboration, and align foreign policy objectives.
The mechanism was institutionalised as part of the broader India-UK Enhanced Trade Partnership and Roadmap 2030, which was agreed upon during virtual summits between the leaders of both nations in May 2021. The dialogue complements other bilateral initiatives, such as the India-UK Defence and International Security Partnership (2015), highlighting the importance of coordinated efforts in addressing security and geopolitical issues.
