PM Modi appreciated her contributions to the India-UK bilateral relationship in her previous roles

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke on phone with Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Elizabeth Truss and congratulated her on assuming the office.

On behalf of the people of India, Prime Minister Modi conveyed deep condolences to the Royal family and the people of UK on the sad demise of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, India's Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said.

He also appreciated her contributions to the India-UK bilateral relationship in her previous roles as Trade Secretary and Foreign Secretary. Both leaders committed to further strengthen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and UK, the PMO added.

The two leaders discussed various issues of bilateral interest including the progress in the implementation of the Roadmap 2030, ongoing FTA negotiations, defence & security cooperation, and the people-to-people ties between both countries, the PMO said.

Prime Minister Truss thanked Prime Minister Modi for his heartfelt condolences, which he said were on behalf of 1.3 billion Indians, the UK PM's office said.

The leaders acknowledged the grief felt by the many people of the UK and India, and paid tribute to Her Majesty The Queen’s lifetime of service, it added.

"The two agreed on the vital importance of the UK-India relationship and looked forward to meeting in person in the near future," the UK PMO said in its statement.