EAM S Jaishankar Commences Five-Day Official Visit To UK (image: instagram.com/drs.jaishankar)

On Saturday, External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr S Jaishankar commenced a five-day official visit to the United Kingdom. The visit intends to review several aspects of bilateral ties and taking it forward.

It is anticipates that preparations for British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak”s possible visit to India in the coming few months will figure in this visit in London.

“India and the UK have a growing bilateral partnership,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement.

During the visit, Dr Jaishankar will hold discussions with his counterpart Foreign Secretary Sir James Cleverly and will meet several other dignitaries, the Ministry added.

MEA then said that both countries share a warm and thriving relationship. The India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership was launched in 2021 along with the India-UK Roadmap 2030 aims to develop connection in a range of areas.

MEA also said that the roadmap is a commitment to a partnership that delivers for both India and UK. “The external affairs minister”s visit will give a new impetus to the friendly ties between the two countries,” MEA added.

Mr Sunak and PM Modi in their recent telephonic conversation discussed the recent progress of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between both countries. PM Modi congratulated his counterpart”s successful completion of one year of his tenure in office. Meanwhile, Mr Sunak also extended congratulation to PM Modi on Team India for their outstanding performance in the ongoing Cricket World Cup 2023.

In the conversation, both leaders also exchanged their views on the ongoing issue in West Asia, conflict between Israel and Hamas.