NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday met UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper and reaffirmed India’s commitment to further strengthening the growing partnership between India and the United Kingdom. The meeting underscored the expanding cooperation between the two countries across strategic sectors including trade, technology, education, defence, climate action and innovation.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Modi expressed satisfaction over the significant progress made in bilateral relations in recent years. He noted that the deepening India-UK partnership has created unprecedented opportunities for economic growth, investment and collaboration, benefiting both nations. The Prime Minister emphasized that the shared vision outlined in the India-UK Vision 2035 framework would continue to serve as the guiding roadmap for future cooperation and collective efforts aimed at addressing global challenges.
According to official statements, both sides reviewed the progress achieved under various bilateral initiatives and discussed ways to further expand cooperation in emerging sectors. Prime Minister Modi highlighted the importance of maintaining strong engagement between the two democracies and working together to promote sustainable development, innovation and global prosperity.
The visit of UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper marks an important step in advancing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and the United Kingdom. Cooper’s trip to India is her first official visit since assuming office and comes at a time when both countries are seeking to deepen economic and strategic ties.
External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar also held extensive discussions with the UK Foreign Secretary. Welcoming Cooper to India, Jaishankar described the India-UK relationship as a forward-looking partnership driven by shared economic ambitions and collaboration in high-technology sectors.
The two leaders reviewed ongoing cooperation across a wide range of areas, including trade, technology, supply chain resilience, defence cooperation, climate initiatives, education and people-to-people exchanges. They also explored new opportunities for collaboration in clean energy, artificial intelligence and critical minerals, sectors that are increasingly important for future economic growth and technological advancement.
Dr. Jaishankar and Cooper additionally exchanged views on major international developments, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the evolving situation in West Asia and strategic developments in the Indo-Pacific region. Both sides acknowledged the importance of continued dialogue and cooperation in addressing global and regional challenges.
A significant highlight of the visit was the strengthening of educational and institutional partnerships between the two countries. Jaishankar joined UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper and Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan at an event that showcased key milestones in India-UK educational cooperation.
One of the major announcements was the formal handover of a Letter of Approval to the University of Liverpool for establishing a campus in Bengaluru. The development represents a major step in international academic collaboration and is expected to provide Indian students with greater access to world-class educational opportunities within the country.
Another important outcome was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between King’s College London and the National Maritime Foundation. The agreement aims to establish a Regional Maritime Security Centre for Excellence, which will promote research, capacity building and policy discussions on maritime security issues in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.
The new centre is expected to contribute to enhanced cooperation in maritime studies, strategic research and regional security, reflecting the growing importance of maritime partnerships in ensuring stability and economic prosperity across the region.
The visit also reflects the increasing emphasis both countries are placing on innovation-led growth, academic exchanges and strategic cooperation. With expanding collaboration in advanced technologies, clean energy solutions and educational partnerships, India and the United Kingdom are seeking to build a resilient and future-ready relationship.
Officials from both sides expressed confidence that the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, guided by Vision 2035, will continue to expand in scope and depth. As the two nations work together on shared priorities, the relationship is expected to play a greater role in promoting economic development, technological innovation and global cooperation in the years ahead.
