India and the United Kingdom (UK) on Monday reviewed the entire spectrum of their bilateral strategic partnership during talks between Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra and UK Permanent Under-Secretary Philip Barton here under the aegis of the 15th India-UK Foreign Office Consultations (FOC). The last FOC was held in November 2020 in London.
Giving details of the parleys, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said India and the UK share a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with the adoption of Roadmap 2030 for Future Relations.
The FOC provided an opportunity to review the progress made in the implementation of Roadmap 2030 despite the restrictions imposed by the Covid-pandemic.
Both sides discussed issues like trade and economic cooperation, defence and security, science and technology, people-to-people relationship, health and climate change, the MEA statement said.
It was appreciated that letters formalizing the Young Professional Scheme were exchanged on the occasion of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas on January 9 in London and the scheme would be launched on February 28.
Both sides aspire to early conclusion of a balanced and comprehensive India-UK Foreign Trade Agreement (FTA) that may intensify the economic engagement between the fifth and the sixth biggest global economies, the MEA said. India and the UK also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest, including Afghanistan, Ukraine, the Indo-Pacific, Commonwealth and United Nations.
The United Kingdom appreciated India’s contribution at the UN Security Council in 2021-22 as a non-permanent member and reiterated its support for UNSC reforms. It commended India’s priorities as President of G20 this year as it looked forward to its participation. Both sides agreed to maintain regular exchanges at political and senior official levels and hold the next FOC in London in 2024.
During his visit to India, Barton also met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, in addition to a range of UK partners in the country.