India and the United Kingdom (UK) participated in the second chapter of their Multilateral Dialogue in London on Monday. They agreed to enhance cooperation on counterterrorism and climate action and introduce critical reforms to the United Nations (UN).
The Indian delegation was represented by Joint Secretary (UN Political) Prakash Gupta, while the British delegation was led by Harriet Mathews, the Deputy Political Director for UN, UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
According to a press release by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, the UK congratulated India for successfully completing its United Nations Security Council presidency. Next, the two sides conducted discussions on the Commonwealth Strategic Plans and priorities and agreed to work closely on multilateral issues, including counterterrorism, climate action, peacekeeping, and reforming the UN.
The UK-India relationship saw a minor downfall after Britain excluded Covishield from the accepted vaccines for foreign tourists. The issue was resolved after diplomatic engagements.
However, the UK has been looking to enhance its security and trade cooperation with India, as evidenced by the fact that they held both the Multilateral Dialogue and their inaugural Maritime Dialogue on Monday. The Maritime Dialogue was held virtually and saw the participation of both sides’ foreign ministers, who agreed to increase cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. The Maritime Dialogue is a part of the India-UK Roadmap 2030, through which the two countries have agreed to work towards their shared vision of an open, free, inclusive, and rules-based Indo-Pacific.
After the dialogue, British Chief of the Defence Staff General Nicholas Carter said the UK has decided to maintain a “persistent” security presence in the Indo-Pacific. Britain plans to enhance its presence in the region to counter China’s growing expansion, which threatens the territorial sovereignty of several countries in the Indo-Pacific.
Furthermore, in May, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a trade and investment deal worth £1 billion with India. During a virtual summit with Indian PM Narendra Modi, the duo also announced an Enhanced Trade Partnership to “remove trade barriers” and mark a step towards a prospective trade deal between the two countries.
The UK’s decision to enhance cooperation with India comes as it seeks to establish closer ties with its allies following its exit from the European Union.
India, UK Discuss Counterterrorism, Climate Action in Multilateral Dialogue
The UK’s decision to enhance cooperation with India comes as it looks to establish closer ties with its allies following its exit from the European Union.
October 20, 2021
SOURCE: ORF