“Glad to speak to @RishiSunak today. Congratulated him on assuming charge as UK PM. We will work together to strengthen our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership further. We also agreed on the importance of early conclusion of a comprehensive and balanced FTA.” Mr. Modi met Mr.Sunak on the sidelines of the G-20 Summit in Bali. This was the first meeting between the two leaders. The two leaders expressed satisfaction at the state of the wide-ranging India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and progress on the Roadmap 2030 for Future Relations. The two leaders appreciated the importance of working together in bilateral and multilateral forums, including G20 and the Commonwealth. Discussions touched upon important sectors of collaboration such as trade, mobility, defence and security. Early this year, both countries formally launched negotiations for Free Trade. An India-UK Free Trade Agreement would be a substantial opportunity for our economies and a significant moment in the India-UK bilateral relationship. Trade negotiations will be a priority for both countries as India builds upon the Enhanced Trade Partnership. In parallel to trade negotiations, the India-UK Joint Economic and Trade Committee will continue improving the India-UK trading relationship and addressing market access barriers outside of a trade agreement.

Early this month, formalising the much-awaited India-UK Young Professional Scheme was signed and exchanged by High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami and Permanent Undersecretary of State for UK Home Office Mathew Rycroft. No more than 3,000 young professionals can avail of the scheme every year. The Young Professionals Scheme, or YPS, is part of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the Migration and Mobility Partnership between the two governments that was signed on May 4, 2021. High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami informed the gathering at the event that the ongoing Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas in Indore makes the occasion all the more special.