NEW DELHI (AP) — In a significant development, India and the United Kingdom have launched a new technology security initiative designed to enhance economic growth and collaboration. The announcement was made during British Foreign Secretary David Lammy’s first official visit to India.
The agreement, disclosed late Wednesday, focuses on critical technologies such as AI, semiconductors, critical minerals, and telecommunications. It also aims to strengthen cooperation in climate, trade, technology, and education, according to a statement from Lammy’s office.
“This will mean real action together on the challenges of the future from AI to critical minerals. Together we can unlock mutual growth, boost innovation, jobs, and investment,” Lammy said.
During his visit, Lammy held talks with Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, where they also agreed to enhance defense and security collaboration in the Indo-Pacific region. They addressed global issues including the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Lammy’s visit highlights the new Labour Party government’s foreign policy priority of resetting relations with Europe and the Global South. The UK aims to revitalize its relationship with India, particularly through the resumption of formal negotiations on a free trade agreement, which had been a key objective for former Prime Minister Boris Johnson after Brexit.
Lammy also met with Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who welcomed the new technology security initiative and expressed hope for advancing the free trade agreement. The agreement aims to double bilateral trade from its 2022 level of $50 billion by 2030. However, negotiations were suspended due to recent general elections in both countries.
