Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with King Charles III on December 19, 2024, reaffirming their commitment to strengthen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and the UK. Discussions included the Commonwealth, Climate Action, and sustainability initiatives, highlighting collaboration in trade, defence, and technology. Both leaders exchanged festive greetings, marking their commitment to ongoing cooperation.
On December 19, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in a discussion with King Charles III, reaffirming their collective commitment to enhancing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and the United Kingdom as reported by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). The two leaders reviewed a range of topics including the Commonwealth of Nations, following the recent Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting held in Samoa, and exchanged insights on pressing matters such as Climate Action and sustainability.
During their conversation, Prime Minister Modi expressed gratitude for King Charles III’s ongoing efforts and advocacy in promoting climate-related initiatives, and he briefed the King about India’s various initiatives in this realm. They also exchanged warm greetings for the upcoming festivities of Christmas and the New Year.
The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership was initially established during the India-UK Virtual Summit led by Prime Minister Modi and former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on May 4, 2021, which outlined a ten-year roadmap for cooperation known as Roadmap 2030. Since the agreement, there has been continued dialogue at high levels between the two nations to assess the progress made on the commitments outlined in Roadmap 2030.
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy’s visit to New Delhi on July 24, 2024, included discussions with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, wherein they acknowledged the achievements made thus far under Roadmap 2030 and considered its renewal, aiming to bolster bilateral cooperation further.
Moreover, both leaders decided to enhance collaboration in key areas such as trade and investment, defence, technology, climate, and green energy initiatives. During his visit, the UK Foreign Secretary also met with Prime Minister Modi and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.
Prime Minister Modi indicated support for the completion of a mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and welcomed the initiation of a Technology Security Initiative (TSI), focusing on critical and emerging technology sectors. The TSI encompasses fields like critical minerals, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing, facilitating collaboration and enhancing existing frameworks for cooperation in these vital sectors.
The dialogue between Prime Minister Modi and King Charles III is set against a backdrop of evolving India-UK relations characterized by a strong focus on mutual cooperation in various fields. The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, established in 2021, marked a significant enhancement of ties, outlining future avenues for collaboration that aim to address contemporary global challenges, including climate change and technological advancements. The ongoing discussions reflect a commitment by both nations to bolster bilateral ties further, particularly in areas of shared interest and strategic importance.
In summary, the recent conversation between Prime Minister Modi and King Charles III underscored both leaders’ commitment to strengthening the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. By addressing key topics such as climate action and technological cooperation, and through ongoing initiatives like the Technology Security Initiative and the envisioned Free Trade Agreement, both nations demonstrate an intention to enhance collaboration across multiple sectors, thus paving the way for a more strategic alliance going forward.
Original Source: www.indianewsnetwork.com
