Minister of State Foreign Commonwealth & Development Affairs, Lord Tariq Ahmad was in India from 27-31 May to accelerate science and technology ties.
Building on the ambitions for the UK-India relationship set out in the 2030 Roadmap, Lord Ahmad met senior Indian Ministers and officials, including Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra, External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla, and G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant.
The visit’s focus on science, technology and innovation emphasised the UK’s commitment to deepening partnerships in these areas across the globe – evidenced by the recent announcement of a new Tech Envoy to the Indo-Pacific. Strengthening the UK-India relationship is a key pillar of the UK’s long-term foreign policy, as part of its enduring engagement in the Indo-Pacific set out in the Integrated Review Refresh.
UK Minister for South Asia Lord Ahmad said: “The UK and India are trusted partners united by the unique living bridge that closely connects our countries and people.
Building on the 2030 Roadmap for India-UK future relations, we are deepening our collaboration on science and technology, bringing new innovations to both our nations.
The visit comes as the UK and India continue to make progress towards a mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement (FTA). An ambitious, balanced FTA would boost the current trading relationship, worth £36 billion in 2022.
A trade deal with India supports the government’s growth strategy to take advantage of the UK’s status as an independent trading nation, creating new trade and investment opportunities and championing free trade.
First trip to his mother’s birthplace in Jodhpur
Lord Ahmad’s visit to Rajasthan was his first trip to his mother’s birthplace of Jodphur as Minister for South Asia and highlighted the region’s rich cultural history. He visited the iconic Mehrangarh Fort, and discuss education, sustainability and gender equality with emerging women leaders. “…I arrived in Jodhpur, my maternal ancestral home. 76 years after my mother bid farewell to the Blue City I say ‘Salaam Jodhpur- Namaste Rajasthan’,” he said in a tweet.
Launch of ‘English Skills for Youth’ programme
In New Delhi, Lord Ahmad launched the ‘English Skills for Youth’ programme, co-developed by the British Council and Microsoft India, which will enhance global employment opportunities for Indian young people, especially young women. The Minister announced the winners of the UK-India Health-Tech Boot Camp boosting health-tech innovations from India.
Concluding his visit to Hyderabad, Lord Ahmad highlighted science and tech innovations with trips to T-Hub and T-Works, the technology start-up incubator and prototyping facility which are part of the world’s largest innovation campus, and space launch vehicle company Skyroot. He also visited the National Institute of Animal Biotechnology and discuss the further potential for science and technology collaboration with Indian alumni of Chevening, the UK’s flagship international scholarship programme.
Ensure the security of India's diplomatic missions in the UK and prevent misuse of democratic freedoms
In his meeting with the External affairs minister S Jaishankar, Lord Ahmad was asked to ensure the security of India's diplomatic missions in the UK and prevent misuse of democratic freedoms. This came against the backdrop of the vandalisation of the Indian High Commission in London in March by pro-Khalistan supporters.
"Met with UK MOS Lord Tariq Ahmad today in New Delhi… Underlined the obligation to ensure the security of our diplomatic missions and prevent misuse of democratic freedoms," Jaishankar tweeted.
Speaking to WION, Lord Ahmed said, “We have security provisions in place. We are also looking at added security structures within the framework of the diplomatic mission.”
Free Trade Agreement and South Asia to Indo-Pacific and G20
India and the UK have had nine rounds of negotiations of the free trade agreement (FTA) since January last year aiming towards a comprehensive pact that is expected to significantly enhance the bilateral trading relationship which was worth an estimated GBP 34 billion in 2022.
During the India visit, he met India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra, G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant & G20 Coordinator Harish Shringla. Asked about updates in the ongoing free trade agreement negotiations, he pointed out, 'FTA is progressing well..', & 'We are making good progress, several chapters have progressed and being closed, and we remain hopeful on reaching an early agreement.'
