India, UK discuss progress made in the implementation of Roadmap 2030

India and the UK discussed the Roadmap 2030 implementation progress on Monday, despite the limitations created by the Covid-19 pandemic, during the 15th Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) held in New Delhi on Monday.

The two countries have a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership following the approval of the Roadmap 2030 for Future Relations.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), during the talks, both sides covered several topics including trade and economic cooperation, defense and security, science and technology, people-to-people interactions, health, and climate change.

It was appreciated that letters formalizing the Young Professional Scheme were exchanged on the occasion of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas on 09 January 2023 in London and the scheme would be launched on 28 February 2023.

"Both sides aspire to early conclusion of a balanced and comprehensive India-UK FTA that may intensify the economic engagement between the fifth and the sixth biggest global economies," the MEA press release said.

The Indian delegation was led by Vinay Mohan Kwatra, Foreign Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs and the British side was led by Sir Philip Barton, Permanent Under-Secretary, Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

India and the UK also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest, including Afghanistan, Ukraine, the Indo-Pacific, Commonwealth and United Nations, the MEA said.

According to the MEA, the UK appreciated India’s contribution at UN Security Council in 2021-22 as a non-permanent member and reiterated its support for UNSC reforms. UK commended India’s priorities as President of G20 this year as it looked forward to its participation.

Both sides decided to continue frequent communication at the political and top official levels and to host the following FOC in London in 2024. The previous FOC was held in November 2020 in London.