India UK launches Tech Security Initiative during David Lammy’s visit

India and the United Kingdom have launched a new technology security initiative to deepen defence collaboration and boost economic ties between the two countries. The initiative was launched during the visit of the United Kingdom's Foreign Secretary David Lammy’s visit to India.

David Lammy was on a two-day ( 24&25 July 2024) official visit to India.

David Lammy was the first high-ranking official of the British government to visit India after the Keir Starmer government came to power in the United Kingdom in July 2024.

Highlights of David Lammy’s visit to India 

During his India visit, David Lammy met the Indian External Affairs Minister S.Jaishankar and the National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.

During his meeting with S. Jaishankar, discussions were held on global and regional issues, such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the situation in West Asia and the Red Sea, the Commonwealth, and the UN Security Council.

Technology Security Initiative 

The India -UK Technology Security Initiative was earlier negotiated by the National Security Advisors of both countries. 

The Initiative was formally launched during David Lammy’s visit to India. 

Under the Technology Security Initiative, both countries will work together on crucial technologies like Critical Minerals, Telecom, Semiconductors, Artificial Intelligence, Quantum, Biotech, and Advanced Materials.

David Lammy also called upon Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India is looking forward to concluding a trade deal with the United Kingdom.

Free Trade Agreement 

India and the United Kingdom launched a free trade negotiation in 2022 during Boris Johnson’s  British government. The British government prioritised a trade deal with India after the United Kingdom left the European Union in 2020.  

An agreement was reached to double the bilateral trade between the two countries from $50 billion in 2022 to $100 billion by 2030.

The trade negotiation was suspended due to the general election in India and Britain in 2024.

So far, the two countries have held 13 rounds of negotiations on free trade without any agreement.

About the United Kingdom 

The United Kingdom is a sovereign country that consists of four countries: England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. 

Officially, the United Kingdom came into existence in 1801 when Northern Ireland joined the Kingdom of Great Britain.  

England, Wales and Scotland constituted the Kingdom of Great Britain, which came into existence in 1707 when the Kingdom of Scotland Joined the Kingdom of England and Wales.

Prime Minister : Keir Starmer 

Capital of United Kingdom: London 

Currency of United Kingdom: Pound Sterling