Britain's Foreign Secretar, David Lammy Lands in India for
Trade Negotiations

Los Angeles/July 24, 2024
NRIpress.club/Ramesh/A.Gary Singh

Britain's Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, has arrived in India to engage in discussions with ministers and business leaders. This visit is being highlighted as a key move to redefine Britain's relationship with India and the broader Global South.

Calling India an "indispensable partner," Mr. Lammy emphasized its crucial role in the government's plans to stimulate the economy and combat climate change. With India's economy poised to become the third largest in the world, the new Labour government is eager to secure a free trade agreement.

Three weeks into Sir Keir Starmer's leadership, the administration has swiftly turned its focus to India. For Britain to achieve economic growth, British companies must expand their business operations in the Indian market.

The pursuit of a free trade agreement with India has been stalled for months, despite negotiations over the past two years. Recently, in March, India finalized a free trade agreement with Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, and Liechtenstein, all non-EU countries.

Lammy stressed that the UK's commitment to securing a trade deal with India is just the starting point of Britain's ambitions. Last year, insiders from the previous Conservative government stated that trade negotiations with India were at their "final but trickier" stages.

Achieving a trade deal with India has long been considered one of the most significant post-Brexit opportunities for the UK government. Earlier this month, Lammy's first international trip as a cabinet member included meetings with European leaders to bolster UK-EU relations.

However, this visit to India transcends economic discussions. India positions itself as a vital player in the Global South, and Lammy aims to redefine Britain's relations with these developing nations. With political uncertainties in Europe and the US, the UK government seeks to enhance ties with other global allies, including India, which Lammy regards as the emerging superpower of the 21st century.

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