Jaishankar’s visit comes at a time when India has maintained a neutral position on the Ukraine war, refraining from aligning with Europe, the US, or Russia on the matterread moreIndian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Tuesday (March 4) night, where the two leaders discussed the ongoing Ukraine conflict and the UK’s position on the war.The meeting came days after Starmer hosted an emergency gathering of European leaders in support of Ukraine and its President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, following a tense public exchange between Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance at the White House.AdvertisementJaishankar said that Starmer shared “UK’s perspective on the Ukraine conflict.”Jaishankar also met with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy and a group of Indian Chevening Scholars during his visit.Jaishankar’s visit comes at a time when India has maintained a neutral position on the Ukraine war, refraining from aligning with Europe, the US, or Russia. Last week, India abstained from two United Nations resolutions— one moved by Ukraine and another by the US.New Delhi has consistently advocated for diplomatic solutions to the conflict, stating that peace cannot be achieved on the battlefield. It is likely that India will continue to avoid taking sides while reiterating its stance on respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity.Last week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen issued a joint statement supporting “a just and lasting peace,” grounded in international law and the principles of the UN Charter.AdvertisementMeetings on trade, security, and immigrationJaishankar held separate meetings with Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds. Discussions with Cooper focused on immigration, counter-extremism, and efforts to combat human trafficking. With Reynolds, Jaishankar reviewed progress in the ongoing free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations between India and the UK.India and the UK currently share a £41 billion ($52 billion) trading relationship, and the visit marks a key moment in advancing economic cooperation. As part of this effort, India is set to open two new consulates in Belfast and Manchester, further strengthening regional ties and investment opportunities.Strategic partnership and global affairsBefore opening the consulates, Jaishankar and Lammy met at Chevening House to advance the UK-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Their discussions covered economic growth, technological collaboration, and global security concerns, including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and conflicts in the Middle East.“Dr. Jaishankar and I are supercharging our £41 billion trading relationship with India after trade talks were relaunched in Delhi,” Lammy said. “It is the floor, not the ceiling of our ambitions that will benefit both our economies.”Ministers also discussed the Technology Security Initiative, launched during Lammy’s visit to Delhi in July 2024. The initiative aims to enhance cooperation in artificial intelligence, telecoms, and critical minerals, with the goal of strengthening supply chains, driving investment, and creating jobs in both countries.AdvertisementMore from World
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Thai police nab 100 suspects in major fraud crackdownTagsKeir StarmerRussia-Ukraine warS JaishankarEnd of Article

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Jaishankar, Starmer discuss Ukraine situation during London bilateral talks