Key areas of discussion included strengthening economic ties, with both nations placing particular emphasis on the early conclusion of a mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement (FTA)
The second India-UK 2+2 Foreign and Defence Dialogue convened in New Delhi on Tuesday, underscoring the growing strategic partnership between the two nations. The discussions focused on enhancing cooperation across multiple domains, including defence, trade, technology, and global security.
Leading the Indian delegation were Piyush Srivastava, Joint Secretary (Europe West) in the Ministry of External Affairs, and Vishwesh Negi, Joint Secretary (International Cooperation) in the Ministry of Defence. On the UK side, Ben Mellor, Director of the Indian Ocean Directorate in the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, and Shimon Fhima, Director of Strategic Programmes at the Ministry of Defence, represented their country.
According to a press release from India’s Ministry of External Affairs, the dialogue reviewed progress made under the India-UK Roadmap 2030, a framework for strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The meeting highlighted the importance of sustained high-level engagement in advancing bilateral ties and explored new areas of collaboration to revitalise the partnership.
Randhir Jaiswal, the official spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, posted on X (formerly Twitter), saying:
“The second India-UK 2+2 Foreign and Defence Dialogue was held in New Delhi today. Co-chaired by Piyush Srivastava, Joint Secretary (Europe West) & Vishwesh Negi, Joint Secretary (International Cooperation) Ministry of Defence, India on the Indian side and Ben Mellor, Director Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office & Shimon Fhima, Strategic Operations Director, Ministry of Defence on the UK side. Both sides reviewed progress made in diverse areas of India-UK cooperation and discussed ways for further strengthening India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.”
Key areas of discussion included strengthening economic ties, with both nations placing particular emphasis on the early conclusion of a mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Defence and security cooperation were also prioritised, with a focus on cyber security, counter-terrorism, and emerging technologies. Additionally, the dialogue addressed clean energy initiatives, healthcare collaboration, and expanding cultural, educational, and people-to-people exchanges.
Significant progress in various sectors was also highlighted, such as the Technology and Security Initiative, the UK-India Infrastructure Finance Bridge, and the Electric Propulsion Capability Partnership. These initiatives were acknowledged as crucial to achieving shared goals in defence and industrial cooperation.
The meeting also served as a platform to discuss global and regional developments. Both sides reiterated their commitment to a shared vision of peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. They underscored the importance of a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific, aligning their strategic interests in addressing global challenges and enhancing regional security.
The dialogue concluded with both nations agreeing to hold the third edition in the UK in 2025 at a mutually convenient date, reinforcing their commitment to a dynamic and evolving partnership.
