New Delhi: In the backdrop of intense geopolitical turmoil in the world, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his British counterpart Boris Johnson on Friday agreed on a new and expanded India-UK defense alliance Decided to finalize negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) by the end of the year.
The two leaders reviewed all aspects of bilateral relations, including the ‘Roadmap 2030’, and set an ambitious target of further deepening ties in various fields. Prime Minister Modi invited Britain to join India’s National Hydrogen Mission.
Special friend
“Today we have agreed on a new, expanded defense and security partnership,” the British Prime Minister said after a detailed discussion on the various dimensions of the relationship between the two leaders. He said that this is in line with the decades-old commitment to deepen our ties and also in the direction of Narendra Modi’s goal of Make in India. Johnson described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as his “special friend”.
He said Britain is working on creating a free general export license focused on India, which will reduce bureaucratic hurdles and take less time in defense procurement. Johnson said the two sides also agreed to work together to address new threats, including on land, sea, airspace, and cyberspace. He said Britain would cooperate with India on new fighter jet technology and navigation technology, as well as respond to threats at sea.
Modi and Johnson reviewed the progress made towards the implementation of ‘Roadmap 2030’ and in a joint media address after the meeting, Prime Minister Modi said that in today’s conversation, we reviewed the progress made in this roadmap and for the coming time. Some goals have also been set. He said that the teams of both the countries are working on the subject of Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Good progress is being made in the negotiations.
Efforts to finalize FTA by the end of this year
“We have decided to make all efforts towards finalizing the FTA by the end of this year,” the Prime Minister said. At the same time, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, referring to the free trade agreement, said that four chapters have been completed in the talks on this subject and the next round of talks will be held next week. He said that we have asked to complete it by October or Deepawali. Johnson said that with this our business and investment can double in a decade.
The UK welcomes decision to join the Indo-Pacific Ocean Initiative
In the meeting, the two leaders also discussed other developments taking place at the regional and global level and emphasized maintaining an open, inclusive, and rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific. Prime Minister Modi welcomed Britain’s decision to join the Indo-Pacific Ocean Initiative. He said during his talks with Johnson he reiterated his support for a peaceful, stable, and secular Afghanistan as well as an inclusive and representative government there.
Afghan land should not be used to spread terrorism
“It is necessary that Afghan land should not be used to spread terrorism in other countries,” Modi said. At the same time, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said after talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi that it is important that we increase cooperation in keeping the Indo-Pacific free and free. Johnson said that our talks were good and they have strengthened our relationship.
Discussion on clean and renewable energy
The British Prime Minister said that the world is facing the dangers of escalating autocratic conflicts and in such a situation it is important for India and Britain that both countries strengthen their cooperation. “Today we have announced new steps that will facilitate the export of UK-made medical equipment to India,” he said. Along with this, it has also been agreed to ensure mutual recognition of higher education eligibility, he said. In the meeting, the Prime Ministers of both countries also discussed new cooperation on clean and renewable energy.
Negotiations for a ceasefire and a solution to the problem
On the other hand, Prime Minister Modi said that India and Britain also reiterated the importance of respecting the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all countries. “We have stressed dialogue and diplomacy for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine and resolution of the problem,” Modi said. We also reiterated the importance of respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all countries.
