Union minister for external affairs Dr S Jaishankar will visit the UK in an official capacity from November 11 to November 15. He will meet his counterpart, foreign secretary James Cleverly and other dignitaries, the external affairs ministry said in a press release.
“External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar (EAM) will be on an official visit to the United Kingdom from 11-15 November 2023. India and the UK have a growing bilateral partnership. During his visit, EAM will be holding discussions with his counterpart, foreign secretary Sir James Cleverly and will meet several other dignitaries,” the external affairs ministry said.
The ministry said that Jaishankar’s visit will further boost the friendly relations that both nations share. It also said that the India-UK Roadmap 2030 is a partnership that caters to the needs of both nations and is a commitment to the strong partnership that London and New Delhi share.
“India and the UK share a warm and thriving relationship. The India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership was launched in 2021 along with the India-UK Roadmap 2030. The Roadmap is a commitment to a partnership that delivers for both the countries. EAM’s visit will give a new impetus to the friendly ties between the two countries,” the release further added.
The visit comes amid tensions in West Asia as Israel and Hamas engage in war sparked by the latter’s terrorist attacks on southern Israeli towns and a music festival that led to over 1,200 deaths. Israel in retaliation has bombed Gaza Strip, killing over 10,000 civilians, including thousands of women and children, as it proceeds with its plans to eliminate Hamas.
It is unclear if the UK-India Free Trade Agreement will be discussed or not. There were hopes that the UK-India FTA would be signed within October but discussions are continuing to reach an agreement that benefits both nations.
It also remains to be seen if the rising incidents of Khalistani separatism and hooliganism which impacts the safety of Hindu population and the Indian diaspora will be discussed. India, on several occasions, including the G20 Summit, urged the UK to take steps to prevent Khalistani separatists from harassing Hindus and members of the Indian diaspora in the UK.
(with inputs from Shalinder Wangu)
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