Britain and India have signalled growing confidence in their strategic partnership, with talks on implementing a landmark free trade agreement progressing rapidly and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi receiving an invitation to attend next month's Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
During a visit to New Delhi, UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper met Modi and Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar for discussions on trade, security and wider bilateral cooperation. As part of the visit, Cooper handed Modi a formal invitation on behalf of Commonwealth Games organisers to attend the Glasgow 2026 Games, which begin on July 23.
The invitation comes as India prepares to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad, marking a significant moment for the country's growing role on the global sporting stage.
"I’m delighted that India will carry the baton forward from Glasgow 2026 to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad," Cooper said. "These are, after all, the 'friendly games' and we will work closely together on a strong handover to what I’m sure will be another outstanding Games in India."
The visit also highlighted the strengthening economic relationship between the two countries. Cooper said discussions focused on the "final stages of work" required to implement the UK-India free trade agreement, which was agreed in principle last year and formally signed in 2025.
Her comments were echoed by UK trade minister Peter Kyle, who described implementation talks as moving at "breakneck speed" following meetings in Delhi this week.
"We look forward to cracking on," Kyle said. "These things take time, but we've been working at breakneck speed."
While concerns have emerged from Indian officials over new UK steel trade measures due to be introduced next month, Kyle sought to downplay suggestions that the agreement could be reopened for renegotiation.
"I'm not negotiating in public or via the media, but the FTA is what it is," he said, indicating that the agreement could come into force later this year, potentially making it the fastest trade deal implementation period in modern British history.
Beyond trade, discussions between the two governments also focused on maritime security amid escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and broader global instability.
Cooper raised the case of Scottish Sikh activist Jagtar Singh Johal, who has been detained in India since 2017. Calling for a "swift resolution", she said the case had "gone on far too long" and confirmed that the UK government would continue to raise the matter with Indian authorities.
The Foreign Secretary also discussed the investigation into the Air India crash that claimed 241 lives, including 52 British nationals and 169 Indian citizens. With families continuing to await answers nearly a year after the tragedy, Cooper said it was vital that they receive clarity about what happened.
"I don't think this gets any easier for families, even after nearly a year," she said. "It's vital for families to be able to get answers."
The visit underscores the growing importance of the UK-India relationship at a time when both governments are seeking closer cooperation on trade, security, technology and international affairs.
