David Lammy, the UK Foreign Secretary, is currently in New Delhi on a visit aimed at strengthening the ties between the United Kingdom and India. This trip, taking place in the wake of the recently finalized Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the two nations, underscores the UK's commitment to deepening its relationship with India across various sectors.

The visit, scheduled for June 7-8, 2025, involves high-level meetings with key Indian government officials, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. Discussions are expected to center on enhancing economic cooperation, trade, and strategic ties. Lammy has emphasized that the FTA is "just the start of our ambitions," signaling a desire for a more comprehensive and forward-looking partnership.

A primary focus of Lammy's visit is to build upon the momentum generated by the FTA, which was officially signed on May 6, 2025. This landmark agreement is projected to significantly boost bilateral trade, with expectations of increasing it by over £25 billion annually. The FTA aims to reduce tariffs on a wide range of goods, benefiting businesses and consumers in both countries. For example, India will gradually reduce import tariffs on UK goods, including whisky, high-value manufactured parts, and certain food items. The UK, in turn, will lower tariffs on Indian goods like clothing, footwear, and jewellery. The agreement is also expected to streamline customs procedures and promote investment flows.

Beyond trade, Lammy's agenda includes discussions on strengthening the migration partnership between the UK and India. This involves ongoing efforts to safeguard citizens and secure borders, reflecting the importance of addressing migration issues in a collaborative manner. The UK government views this partnership as crucial for delivering on its commitment to boost jobs and prosperity, as part of its broader "Plan for Change."

The Foreign Secretary is also expected to address regional security concerns during his visit. This includes discussing the recent escalation in tensions following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam and exploring ways to support stability in the region. The UK has previously played a supportive role in de-escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, and Lammy's visit provides an opportunity to reaffirm the UK's commitment to regional peace and security.

Lammy's visit also serves as preparation for a planned trip by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who is expected to visit India in the near future for the formal signing of the FTA. This underscores the high priority that the UK government places on its relationship with India and its commitment to strengthening ties at the highest levels.

Overall, David Lammy's visit to New Delhi is a significant step in deepening the UK-India relationship. By focusing on economic cooperation, trade, strategic ties, and regional security, the visit aims to lay the groundwork for a stronger and more comprehensive partnership between the two nations.