India and UK Deepen Ties Through 17th Foreign Office Consultations and Strategic Technology Dialogue

In an era defined by shifting geopolitical alignments, accelerating technological progress, and evolving global challenges, the 17th India-UK Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) and the inaugural Strategic Exports and Technology Cooperation Dialogue (SETCD) marked a significant milestone in the strengthening of bilateral ties between India and the United Kingdom. Held on June 3, 2025, in New Delhi, the consultations underscored both countries’ commitment to advancing a future-oriented Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with a particular focus on innovation, economic cooperation, and geopolitical coordination.

The consultations were co-chaired by Foreign Secretary of India, Shri Vikram Misri, and Sir Oliver Robbins, Permanent Under-Secretary at the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). This high-level engagement builds upon the 2024 Foreign Office Consultations held in London and reflects the continued momentum in bilateral relations. For the first time, the Strategic Exports and Technology Cooperation Dialogue was also convened, aiming to enhance collaboration in high-end technology sectors and streamline export controls for mutual benefit.

In his official remarks, Foreign Secretary Misri noted, “India and the UK stand at a pivotal juncture in their bilateral journey. Our shared democratic values, economic complementarities, and global outlook make this partnership a cornerstone of our respective foreign policies.” His British counterpart, Sir Oliver Robbins, echoed the sentiment, calling the meetings “a demonstration of the depth and breadth of our relationship with India, rooted in trust and a shared commitment to progress.”

As Comprehensive Strategic Partners (CSP), India and the United Kingdom continue to widen their engagements across a spectrum of domains. The 2025 consultations provided an opportunity for both sides to holistically review the state of play and future direction of cooperation in key areas. These include trade and economy, science and technology, defence and security, climate and green energy, education and health, and people-to-people ties. Of special note was the mutual recognition and welcome of the recent conclusion of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and the Double Contribution Convention, both of which are set to bolster commercial flows and fiscal cooperation.

The inauguration of the Strategic Exports and Technology Cooperation Dialogue adds a vital dimension to bilateral collaboration. Designed to facilitate greater ease in the exchange of critical and emerging technologies, the SETCD addressed long-standing issues around export control frameworks. The goal is to unlock joint innovation potential in strategic sectors such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, semiconductors, space technologies, and advanced defence platforms. Commenting on the new dialogue, Foreign Secretary Misri remarked, “We envision this track becoming a pillar for our future technological partnership, supporting both sovereign capabilities and global competitiveness.”

A key highlight of the meetings was the shared understanding of the importance of rule-based international order and open global markets. The India-UK dialogue addressed pressing regional and global issues, with discussions ranging from the Russia-Ukraine conflict to the dynamic developments in the Indo-Pacific and West Asia. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to working together in forums such as the G20, UN, and Commonwealth to promote peace, development, and inclusive growth.

What made this round of consultations particularly impactful was the alignment in policy objectives between the two governments. In recent years, the UK has increasingly looked toward India as a vital partner in its post-Brexit foreign policy recalibration, while India sees the UK as a key interlocutor in Europe and a bridge to multilateral economic and security cooperation. Sir Oliver Robbins noted during the press interaction, “India’s global stature and its commitment to democratic principles make it a natural partner for the UK as we engage with an increasingly complex world.”

The consultations also focused on intensifying bilateral defence and security cooperation. Both sides discussed enhancing interoperability, maritime domain awareness, and cyber resilience. The growing frequency of joint military exercises, as well as defence industry partnerships, reflects this ambition. In the context of science and innovation, new initiatives are expected to emerge under India’s Gati Shakti mission and the UK’s technology-forward industrial strategy, opening avenues for co-development and knowledge exchange.

On the socio-cultural front, the delegations acknowledged the value of fostering robust people-to-people ties, particularly through academic exchanges, digital collaboration, and expanded youth engagement. The India-UK Education and Research Initiative (UKIERI) continues to be an important conduit for such efforts. Both governments are working on enabling smoother mobility pathways for students, researchers, and professionals—underscoring the human-centric foundation of this partnership.

In addition to the primary discussions, both nations emphasized the importance of climate action and sustainability. Green energy collaboration, particularly in solar and hydrogen technologies, was discussed as a potential game-changer. Given the shared ambition to achieve net-zero emissions and a just energy transition, the two countries agreed to explore financing and policy mechanisms that will support clean innovation and equitable access.

The presence of seasoned diplomats such as Foreign Secretary Misri and Sir Oliver Robbins lent gravitas and strategic coherence to the dialogue. Their engagement signified a shared political will to maintain a trajectory of upward movement in the relationship. A senior official from the Indian side noted, “This meeting reflects our deep mutual respect and common strategic vision. We are not only addressing today’s challenges but also co-creating solutions for the world of tomorrow.”

The consultations concluded with an agreement to maintain frequent high-level exchanges, both at political and senior official levels, to ensure continued momentum. The next round of Foreign Office Consultations is scheduled to be held in London in 2026 at a mutually convenient time, signaling an uninterrupted channel of strategic communication and policy alignment.

While India and the UK remain bilateral partners, this renewed engagement also plays a vital role in the larger India-European Union (EU) strategic equation. As one of the EU’s most prominent member states until Brexit, the UK retains deep institutional, economic, and normative linkages with the EU. Therefore, progress in the India-UK dynamic—especially on trade, technology, and security—indirectly contributes to stabilizing and advancing India’s relationship with Europe as a whole. Moreover, shared values on multilateralism, data governance, and open technology ecosystems create fertile ground for triangulated cooperation.

As the dust settles on this landmark round of consultations, what becomes evident is that India and the United Kingdom are not merely navigating bilateral ties—they are co-authoring a chapter in global diplomacy centred on trust, mutual growth, and forward-looking engagement. This is diplomacy not just for the present, but for the decades to come.