Jaishankar Meets UK PM Keir Starmer Amid Trump-Zelenskyy Heated Showdown | Highlights

New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, who is on a six-day visit to the UK and Ireland, met British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street on Tuesday evening. The meeting comes at a time when the UK is taking an active diplomatic stance on the Russia-Ukraine war, with Starmer recently hosting an emergency summit with European leaders to express support for Ukraine and its President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. 

Bilateral Ties and Strategic Talks

Jaishankar conveyed "warm greetings" from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discussed various aspects of India-UK cooperation with Stamer. “We discussed taking forward our bilateral and economic cooperation and enhancing people-to-people exchanges. PM Starmer also shared the UK's perspective on the Ukraine conflict,” Jaishankar posted on social media.  

His discussions in London are taking place against the backdrop of Starmer’s latest diplomatic move—forming a ‘coalition of the willing’ with Ukraine, France, and other nations to draft a peace plan for the war. “This is a moment to step up and lead, to unite around a new plan for enduring peace,” Starmer had said after his meeting with Zelenskyy.  

READ MORE: This Guy Doesn’t Want Peace: Trump on Truth Social After Zelenskyy Says ‘End To War Very Very Far Away’

Progress on India-UK FTA Talks

Earlier on Tuesday, Jaishankar held a series of meetings with top UK ministers, including Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, to review the progress of the much-anticipated India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The two countries had officially relaunched talks last month during Reynolds’ visit to Delhi, aiming to boost their annual bilateral trade, which currently stands at GBP 41 billion.  

“Discussed the progress on our FTA talks,” Jaishankar wrote on X after his meeting with Reynolds.  

Security, Extremism, and People-to-People Exchanges  

The External Affairs Minister also met UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper to discuss migration, talent mobility, and joint efforts to curb extremism. “We discussed the flow of talent, people-to-people exchanges, and joint efforts in tackling trafficking and extremism,” he said.  

The issue of extremism has remained a sticking point in India-UK relations, with New Delhi repeatedly raising concerns about anti-India activities by separatist elements in Britain.  

Chatham House Session on India's Global Role

On Wednesday evening, Jaishankar is scheduled to speak at the Chatham House think tank in London on “India’s Rise and Role in the World.” His address is expected to outline India’s foreign policy approach and its growing global influence.  

His London visit also includes high-level talks with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy and other dignitaries, with discussions set to cover foreign policy and security issues, including the UK’s diplomatic push for a "lasting peace" in Ukraine.  

Ireland Visit and New Indian Consulates in UK  

After concluding engagements in London, Jaishankar will travel to Dublin on Thursday, where he will meet Irish Foreign Minister Simon Harris and members of the Indian community in Ireland. “India and Ireland share friendly bilateral relations based on shared democratic values, cultural ties, and growing economic engagements,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated.  

On Friday, he returns to the UK to inaugurate the new Consulate General of India in Belfast, Northern Ireland. This will be followed by the opening of another Indian consulate in Manchester on Saturday, where he is expected to be joined by UK Foreign Office Minister for the Indo-Pacific Catherine West.  

Diaspora Event on Women's Day

Coinciding with International Women’s Day on March 8, a diaspora event is planned at Manchester’s Old Trafford stadium. The event is expected to highlight the contributions of Indian women in the UK and strengthen India-UK community ties.  

While Jaishankar’s UK visit was scheduled earlier, his engagements are being closely watched, especially in light of Starmer’s renewed push for diplomatic efforts on Ukraine. His interactions in London and Dublin are expected to provide fresh momentum to India’s relations with both countries, reinforcing strategic cooperation across trade, security, and people-to-people ties.