UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak spoke to his Indian counterpart, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to discuss a range of bilateral issues – from expediting the process to resolve issues around the ongoing free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations to ensuring tough action against extremist anti-India elements in Britain.
Downing Street said the leaders spoke on April 13 and reflected upon the close friendship between the two countries, agreeing that great progress was being made on the 2030 UK-India Roadmap.
A spokesperson noted: “Discussing ongoing negotiations on a UK-India Free Trade Agreement, the leaders reflected on the huge opportunities a deal would offer to Indian and British businesses and consumers.
“Both agreed to direct their teams to expedite progress to resolve outstanding issues and ensure a world-leading deal that would see both economies thrive.”
Referring to the attack by pro-Khalistani extremists attempting to pull down the tricolour and injuring staff at the Indian High Commission in London last month, Sunak is said to have reiterated his condemnation of the “unacceptable violence”.
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Downing Street added: “He [Sunak] stressed that extremism had no place in the UK and updated on the steps being taken to ensure the security of Indian High Commission staff.
“Both looked forward to seeing each other at the G7 in Japan next month, as well as at the G20 in India later this year.”
In his update on the interaction, Prime Minister Modi tweeted that Sunak agreed on the need to take “strong action against anti-India elements” and to ensure the security of Indian diplomatic establishments in the UK.
During the phone call, Sunak and Modi also shared best wishes for Vaisakhi, being celebrated in India and among the diaspora in the UK on April 14.
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Both leaders last met in-person on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Indonesia in November last year (pictured), soon after Sunak took charge at 10 Downing Street as the first British Indian Prime Minister. The UK and India have since completed eighth round of negotiations towards a much-anticipated FTA, which both sides have described as an ambitious and mutually beneficial agreement.