Britain’s Foreign Secretary David Lammy has arrived in India to engage in discussions with ministers and business leaders.
This visit is being described as an effort to reset Britain’s relationship with India and the broader Global South.
Mr. Lammy has highlighted India as “an indispensable partner” in the UK government’s goals to boost the economy and address climate change.
With India poised to become the world’s third-largest economy, the new Labour government is keen to secure a free trade agreement.
Just three weeks into Sir Keir Starmer’s administration, the focus on India is clear. To drive economic growth, British companies will need to increase their business dealings in the country.
Negotiations for a free trade agreement with India have been stalled for months after two years of discussions.
In March, India signed a free trade agreement with Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, and Liechtenstein—none of which are part of the European Union.
The Foreign Secretary stated that reinforcing the UK’s commitment to securing a deal would be a foundation for Britain’s ambitions, not the limit.
Last year, sources from the previous Conservative government indicated that trade talks with India were in their “final but trickier” stages.
Securing a trade deal with India has long been considered one of the most significant opportunities for the UK in its post-Brexit trade strategy.
Earlier this month, Mr. Lammy’s first foreign trip as a cabinet member involved meeting with various European leaders to strengthen relations between the UK and the EU.
However, this latest visit has broader objectives beyond economic interests.
India positions itself as a major player in the Global South, and Mr. Lammy aims to recalibrate Britain’s relationships with these developing nations.
Given the political instability in Europe and the US, the UK government is keen to build stronger ties with other allies, including a country Mr. Lammy views as the emerging superpower of the 21st century.