UK and India Forge Ahead: Lammy’s Visit Marks New Phase in Strategic Partnership

In an era where resilient international partnerships are essential for global stability and economic advancement, the United Kingdom and India are taking a significant step forward to reinforce their strategic relationship. The two-day visit of UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy to India, beginning today, June 7, 2025, marks a defining moment in the ongoing evolution of UK-India ties. The visit reflects a shared vision to advance cooperation in trade, migration, innovation, and defence, reinforcing both nations’ commitment to a modern, mutually beneficial alliance in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.

David Lammy arrives in New Delhi to a warm diplomatic welcome. His meetings with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar become central to the high-level agenda. These discussions, held at the capital’s South Block, focused on implementing the recently concluded UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA), while also identifying new areas of cooperation in defence and mobility. The timing of the visit shortly after the Labour Party’s general election victory in the UK, sends a powerful message of diplomatic continuity and revitalized foreign policy priorities.

The UK-India Free Trade Agreement, finalized in May 2025 after 14 rounds of negotiations spanning over three years, stands as a landmark achievement for both governments. The agreement is expected to raise bilateral trade by more than £25 billion annually by 2040 and boost the UK’s GDP by nearly £4.8 billion.

Speaking during the visit, Lammy states, “India is one of my first visits as Foreign Secretary, and since then has been a key partner in the delivery of our Plan for Change. Our relationship goes from strength to strength—securing our future technologies, adding over £25 billion in trade every year between our countries, and deepening the strong links between our cultures and people.” His remarks emphasize the depth and durability of the UK-India partnership, unaffected by shifts in political leadership.

Beyond trade, migration and mobility emerge as vital pillars in the ongoing dialogue. Both governments reaffirm their commitment to the Migration and Mobility Partnership, first signed in 2021. Under this framework, up to 3,000 young professionals each year are eligible to live and work in either country, enhancing bilateral cultural and professional exchanges. The agreement also aims to facilitate student and skilled worker visa procedures while addressing irregular migration through more structured, legal pathways. Lammy underscores the human dimension of this engagement by noting, “This is a modern partnership for a modern world—one that allows our people to thrive, our businesses to grow, and our cultures to connect more meaningfully.”

Strategic discussions also turn to defence and regional security. India and the UK reiterate their shared interest in a rules-based international order, especially in the Indo-Pacific region. Lammy and Indian officials explore avenues for expanded collaboration in areas such as maritime security, cybersecurity, and counter-terrorism. These themes are also central to the India-UK 2030 Roadmap, which outlines long-term goals in defence cooperation, climate action, health, education, and technological development. As both countries respond to shifting global challenges, their partnership appears increasingly defined by shared responsibility and joint strategic foresight.

The visit additionally serves as a preparatory engagement ahead of an upcoming official visit by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Lammy’s interactions during his two-day stay in India lay the groundwork for Starmer’s potential trip, which will likely coincide with the formal signing of the Free Trade Agreement. The Foreign Secretary’s efforts illustrate the UK government’s commitment to turning diplomatic dialogue into actionable outcomes. His discussions reinforce a vision of an inclusive and strategic partnership that is designed to deliver for both economies and societies.

Throughout the visit, diplomatic messaging reflects a tone of mutual trust and equality—an ethos that increasingly defines UK-India relations. Lammy articulates this approach clearly: “We want to go even further to foster an even closer relationship and cooperate when it comes to delivering growth, fostering innovative technology, tackling the climate crisis, and delivering our migration priorities, and providing greater security for our people.” His words encapsulate a modern diplomatic philosophy that is not solely transactional but anchored in shared global stewardship.

Although the visit is bilateral, its significance reverberates more widely. For the United Kingdom, deepening its relationship with India reinforces its post-Brexit strategy of developing agile, independent alliances beyond the European Union. At the same time, it positions the UK as a relevant stakeholder in South Asia and the broader Indo-Pacific—regions that are critical to global economic and security dynamics. For India, the agreement fits into its broader goal of diversifying its trade partnerships and reinforcing its presence in global value chains. Moreover, India’s growing leadership on the world stage, as reflected in its G20 presidency and South-South cooperation efforts, makes it an essential counterpart in building multipolar, rule-based global governance.

Lammy’s visit, therefore, not only reaffirms the depth of the UK-India relationship but also signals its maturing into a comprehensive global partnership. As both countries step into a new phase of cooperation—characterized by innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity—this visit proves to be more than ceremonial. It affirms the enduring strategic value each country places on the other, and their shared ambition to collaborate effectively in shaping the future of global diplomacy.