Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: India reiterated its uncompromising stance on terrorism during high-level meetings with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy on Saturday, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar underscoring the country’s “zero tolerance” policy.
Zero tolerance for terrorism, and no equivalence with perpetrators
In separate meetings with Lammy, PM Modi emphasized India’s appreciation for the UK’s support in its fight against cross-border terrorism. He also underlined the need for decisive global action against terrorism and those who support or enable it—an indirect but firm reference to Pakistan.
Jaishankar echoed the sentiment, stating: “We expect our partners to understand our zero tolerance policy. India will never accept the equating of terror perpetrators with their victims.” These remarks came amidst international attempts to draw parity between India and Pakistan during recent border tensions.
UK’s assurance of friendship and support
Lammy, who arrived in New Delhi to review the growing strategic and trade partnership, expressed deep condolences for the Pahalgam terror attack and reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to supporting India in counter-terrorism efforts. He added that Prime Minister Keir Starmer conveyed a strong message of solidarity and friendship.
Strategic ties, FTA, and future roadmap
Modi and Lammy discussed the recent finalisation of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which is expected to significantly boost bilateral trade—projected to reach $34 billion annually by 2040. Modi also invited Starmer for an official visit to India.
Jaishankar described the FTA as a “milestone” and highlighted other ongoing collaborations, such as:
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Technology Security Initiative (TSI): Focus on AI, semiconductors, quantum tech, critical minerals, etc.
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Strategic Exports & Tech Cooperation Dialogue: A new forum to address licensing and regulatory hurdles in emerging tech trade.
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India-UK Infrastructure Financial Bridge: To facilitate long-term capital investments from the UK to India.
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Education Partnership: UK universities are planning to establish campuses in India.
Migration and economic growth also on agenda
Lammy also met Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and NSA Ajit Doval, focusing on migration partnerships, securing borders, and business growth opportunities. According to the UK Foreign Office, migration control and citizen safeguarding are high priorities.
FTA Highlights:
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99% of Indian exports to the UK will be duty-free.
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Indian tariffs on UK alcoholic beverages to fall from 150% to 40% over a decade.
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Automotive tariffs to reduce to 10%.
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UK tariffs on Indian goods will also be slashed.
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FTA is currently undergoing legal scrubbing, with formal signing expected within three months.
India was the UK’s second-largest source of investment projects in 2023–24 and the 11th largest trading partner. Two-way trade between the countries stood at nearly $57 billion in 2024.
