India and the United Kingdom are two nations bound together with strong ties of history and culture. This bond of relationship has grown and strengthened in recent times.
In May 2021, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the then British Prime Minister Boris Johnson made a renewed commitment to a 2030 Roadmap. The historic agreement was to bring the two countries – their economies and people – closer. It was intended to boost cooperation in areas that matter to both countries.
This included health, climate, trade, education, science and technology, and defence. It was a commitment to strengthen the friendship between India and the United Kingdom over the next decade.
Ties remain robust
Since then, the occupancy at 10 Downing Street may have changed, but the ties are as robust as they ever were. In fact, the respective leaders have assumed charge in their countries – though at different years – when their nations were going through periods of turmoil.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took oath of office and secrecy the first time (2014) when India was going through troubled times. Corruption was rampant; there was dynastic control over politics; important decisions were deferred; and it was then more important to keep political allies content than countrymen. But PM Modi took the challenges head on and set out to build a New India.
Rishi Sunak assumed the office of Prime Minister (October 2022) of the United Kingdom in tumultuous times. His predecessor and party colleague Boris Johnson had to quit abruptly following accusations and political scandals. Then Liz Truss defeated Rishi Sunak in the Conservative Party leadership contest to become the official resident at Number 10. However, in about 44 days, she too had to demit office.
Enter Sunak, to take charge of a nation reeling under political and economic uncertainty and facing the aftermaths of the Covid pandemic. He too took up the challenge of guiding Britain when there were upheavals within.
Bilateral trade treaty
The British PM has already spoken on the prospects of a bilateral trade treaty. This year is special when the Free trade Agreement (FTA) is expected to be finalised. Sunak has mentioned how an India-UK FTA would boost the financial services sector.
UK trade department minister Greg Hands told the British Parliament on October 26: “We have already closed the majority of chapters and look forward to the next round of talks shortly.”
According to India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, “With the UK, our approach is let’s focus on what is acceptable to both the countries and let us not allow sensitive issues to scuttle our discussions.”
The relations between the two countries are, indeed, at the dawn of a new era.
