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S Jaishankar addresses Diwali reception in London

During his five-day official visit to the UK, aimed at reviewing various aspects of bilateral ties, Jaishankar emphasized that a free trade agreement (FTA) is a focal point in the India-UK relationship.

S Jaishankar speaking at a community reception in London / Twitter - @DrSJaishankar

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, at a special Diwali Reception organized by the High Commission of India in London, credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the significant transformations in India. He also highlighted that the world, the relationship between India and the UK, and India itself have undergone considerable changes. 

Enumerating the Modi government’s schemes, the External Affairs Minister said, “The long answer actually lies in this range of initiatives that all of you have heard about for the last ten years. Initiatives like Beti Padhao, and Beti Bachao; initiatives about building toilets for girls, about the Jandhan Yojana, the financial inclusion, about building houses, the Awas Yojana... each of these schemes has delivered,” he said, addressing the gathering. 

Jaishankar provided insights into the rapid technological advancements and socio-economic development unfolding in India. He urged the Indian diaspora in the UK, one of the largest in the world, to actively share the narrative of the evolving India. “Today, to realise the Agenda 2030, we are focusing on what is officially called an Enhanced Trade Partnership. In common terms, it's called an FTA or free trade agreement. That is today very much the focus of what the Indian and British systems are negotiating. We hope that we will find a landing point that works for both of us,” he said. 

During his five-day official visit to the UK, aimed at reviewing various aspects of bilateral ties, Jaishankar emphasized that a free trade agreement (FTA) is a focal point in the India-UK relationship. He expressed optimism about finding a mutually agreeable "landing point" in the negotiations that would benefit both sides.

The External Affairs Minister expressed gratitude to British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak for hosting him at 10 Downing Street on a busy Diwali day during his official visit.

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