David Lammy, the UK’s new Foreign Secretary, has embarked on an early trip to India, signaling an effort to reset and strengthen ties between the two nations. Arriving in New Delhi just three weeks into his new role, Lammy’s visit highlights the importance of this relationship for the UK.
Historical Context and Challenges
The UK-India relationship has its share of historical challenges. Past actions by Labour leaders, such as Prime Minister Clement Attlee’s handling of partition and Foreign Secretary Robin Cook’s stance on Kashmir, have left a mixed legacy. More recently, Jeremy Corbyn’s party’s motion on Kashmir stirred controversy. Given this backdrop, Lammy’s visit was approached with caution.
Diplomatic Meetings and Announcements
During his visit, Lammy met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. The discussions led to the announcement of a new tech security partnership, highlighting the collaborative potential between the two nations.
Focus on Trade and Economic Growth
A key focus of Lammy’s visit was to boost trade relations. India, poised to become the world’s third-largest economy by the end of the decade, is currently only the UK’s 12th largest trading partner. Lammy emphasized the mutual benefits of a stronger trade relationship and expressed optimism about finalizing a free trade deal in the coming months, which has been delayed due to elections in both countries.
Broader Geopolitical Considerations
Beyond economics, Lammy’s visit was also about geopolitics. He aims to reset the UK’s relations with the Global South, with India being a significant player in this group. Discussions included shared interests in green technology and security concerns in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly regarding China. Lammy also acknowledged differences, such as India’s ongoing purchase of Russian oil and gas.
Strengthening Diplomatic Ties
Lammy’s trip is seen as a strategic move to strengthen the UK’s diplomatic ties with India. For Indian ministers, it’s an opportunity to invest in a British government that might be in power for a while and to push for a trade deal that could relax visa restrictions for Indian students and professionals.
The visit also serves to address past issues, such as the Jeremy Corbyn era’s impact on UK-India relations. Lammy’s early trip is a gesture of reassurance to the Indian government, indicating a commitment to a stronger partnership.
Conclusion
David Lammy’s visit to India marks an important step in resetting UK-India relations. By focusing on trade, economic growth, and broader geopolitical interests, both nations aim to build a stronger, mutually beneficial partnership. This early diplomatic effort underscores the significance of the UK-India relationship in a rapidly changing global landscape.
