External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed gratitude to the British government for its firm condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 and for showing support to India in combating terrorism. He stated that India has never aimed to equate the perpetrators of terrorism with their victims.
During talks at the delegation level with his British counterpart, David Lammy, in Delhi, Jaishankar stated that India upheld a zero tolerance policy towards terrorism and anticipated that partners would comprehend this stance. “He also said that we will never tolerate placing those who commit evil on the same level as their victims.
This followed the backing from the British government for Operation Sindoor, which was initiated by the Indian Armed Forces on May 7 in reaction to the Pahalgam terror attack, after India’s all-party delegation in London.
The group, headed by BJP’s Ravi Shankar Prasad, reiterated India’s cohesive position and steadfast dedication to fighting terrorism in every shape. The delegation engaged with UK think tanks, UK government officials, and India friendship organizations during its trip from May 31 to June 3.
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The India-UK Free Trade Agreement
Jaishankar also discussed the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), referring to it as a “milestone” that will boost trade between the nations and positively impact other strategic facets of their bilateral relationship.
“It will also aid in enhancing supply and value chains,” he stated, while also emphasizing additional areas of collaboration between India and the UK.
In May, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and British counterpart Keir Starmer made the historic announcement about the end of discussions on the free trade agreement (FTA). India and the UK finalized the agreement alongside a dual contribution pact. Modi stated that the “historic milestone” will stimulate trade, investment, growth, and job opportunities in both economies.
