During his UK visit, Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar stated that Pakistan vacating Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir would fully resolve the Kashmir issue. Speaking at Chatham House, he outlined three key steps: revoking Article 370 in 2019, fostering economic growth and social justice, and holding high-turnout elections. The final step, he asserted, is reclaiming the illegally occupied region, which would complete the resolution of the Kashmir issue.
Dr Jaishankar’s UK visit from 4 to 9 March 2025 coincided with the planned relaunch of India-UK FTA talks in New Delhi and ongoing US sanctions. The trip included inaugurating India’s new Consulates in Belfast and Manchester and engaging with government, business, academia, and the Indian diaspora.
At the start of his visit, Dr Jaishankar met Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds to review progress on the UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper to discuss talent mobility, cultural exchanges, and cooperation on tackling trafficking and extremism.
He later met Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street to advance bilateral and economic ties, enhance people-to-people exchanges, and discuss the UK's perspective on the Ukraine conflict.
Over two days at Chevening House, Dr Jaishankar and Foreign Secretary David Lammy held extensive talks on strategic coordination, political cooperation, trade negotiations, education, technology, and mobility. Both sides agreed on next steps to further strengthen their partnership. He also met with Chevening Scholars from India and later shared details of the meeting in a post on X. Dr Jaishankar described the scholars as "great advocates of India-UK ties," highlighting their role in strengthening the bilateral relationship.
Chatham House event covers Kashmir, FTA, and global affairs
During a Chatham House meeting hosted by Director and Chief Executive Bronwen Maddox, Dr S Jaishankar addressed questions on Kashmir and human rights. Earlier that day, the House of Commons debated “Government Support for Human Rights in Jammu and Kashmir,” led by Labour MP Sarah Smith.
Several key topics were addressed, including India-China flights, the Kailash pilgrimage, India-US ties, and UK-India FTA negotiations. Responding to questions on the Biden administration’s first 41 days, Jaishankar noted its shift toward multipolarity, aligning with India’s interests. He highlighted the Quad’s shared commitment without burden-sharing disputes and welcomed US energy policies ensuring stable prices.
On international finance, Dr Jaishankar affirmed India’s support for the US dollar as the global reserve currency, citing regional dollar shortages. He emphasised India’s efforts to internationalise the Rupee to support trade and investment. Addressing BRICS, he dismissed claims of a united stance against the dollar, stating India prioritises collaboration with the US to strengthen the global financial system.
After the meeting, a pro-Khalistani protester attempted to breach barricades and block Dr Jaishankar’s motorcade, while others shouted anti-India slogans. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) condemned the security lapse, calling it a sign of “license accorded to such forces” and “indifference” to their threats.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India had conveyed its “deep concern” to UK authorities, stressing that further action would determine the sincerity of the UK’s response. The UK Foreign Office strongly condemned the breach, calling any attempt to “intimidate, threaten, or disrupt” public events unacceptable. A video circulating on social media shows a man with the Indian flag rushing toward Jaishankar’s car before being stopped by police, while protesters waved pro-Khalistan flags and shouted slogans.
MP Bob Blackman and Labour House Leader Lucy Powell condemned the attack on External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, calling for better visitor protection. Raising the issue in the House of Commons, Blackman described the incident as an affront to democracy and India-UK ties. He criticised security lapses and urged measures to prevent such incidents, requesting ministerial statements on visitor safety. Referring to the attackers as “Khalistani thugs,” he stressed the need for stronger protections, stating, “This violates the Geneva Convention, and we must ensure it never happens again.”
"So will the leader ensure that the Home Secretary or appropriate minister makes a statement to this House about what protection we're going to make sure when we have external visitors to this country that they are safe," he added.
A Met Police spokesperson said: “Officers were deployed to St James’s Square, Westminster, on Wednesday evening, where a small protest was taking place alongside a private event attended by the Indian External Affairs Minister.
“As the Minister was leaving, a protester ran in front of his stationary car, waving a flag. Officers quickly intercepted and moved him aside. The protester did not approach the Minister, who departed without incident. No arrests were made,” the spokesperson added.
An FCDO spokesperson said: “We strongly condemn the incident that took place outside Chatham House yesterday during the External Affairs Minister’s visit to the UK. While the UK upholds the right to peaceful protest, any attempts to intimidate, threaten, or disrupt public events are completely unacceptable. The Metropolitan Police acted swiftly to address the situation, and we remain fully committed to ensuring the security of all our diplomatic visitors, in line with our international obligations.”
Bilateral talks in Ireland to boost economic cooperation
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also visited Ireland and Northern Ireland, holding high-level talks to strengthen bilateral ties. He met Irish President Michael D. Higgins and Deputy PM Simon Harris, with both sides agreeing to set up a Joint Economic Commission to enhance trade, investment, and technology collaboration.
The MEA stated that Jaishankar’s discussions with President Higgins focused on bilateral ties and global developments. His talks with Foreign Minister Simon Harris covered trade, education, mobility, and emerging sectors like AI, FinTech, and semiconductors. They also explored expanding higher education collaboration and professional opportunities.
Jaishankar described his meeting with Harris as “warm and open,” announcing plans for a Joint Economic Commission and a new Action Plan to strengthen ties. They also exchanged views on global issues, including Ukraine, West Asia, Afghanistan, the Indo-Pacific, and India-EU cooperation.
During his visit to Dublin, Dr Jaishankar paid tribute to Rabindranath Tagore’s statue and took part in an academic discussion on global affairs at University College Dublin.
Addressing the Indian community, he reaffirmed the government’s unwavering support for its citizens abroad, stating, “We want today’s Indians going abroad—whether they are tourists, students, professionals, or residents—to have the confidence that the government thinks about you and has your back. If you are in a jam, we are there.”
He emphasised that this was more than just a promise, adding, “This is not just a statement. It is a commitment backed by a system that leverages technology and a structured framework of action to ensure the safety and well-being of Indians overseas.”
Jaishankar visited Belfast, where he met Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly and Junior Minister Aisling Reilly, thanking them for their support in establishing the Indian Consulate in Northern Ireland. He highlighted opportunities to strengthen ties in skills, cybersecurity, technology, creative industries, and manufacturing. At Queen’s University Belfast, which is set to open a campus in GIFT City, Gujarat, he engaged with Indian students and emphasised growing India-UK academic collaboration.
Jaishankar inaugurated the Indian consulate in Belfast, Northern Ireland, emphasising its role in serving the Indian community and fostering cooperation in trade, technology, business, and education. He highlighted that the new consulate is part of India’s broader initiative to establish diplomatic missions worldwide to support its growing diaspora. Describing Belfast as a strategic link between India’s UK and European policies, he noted its privileged access to both. He also underscored India’s ongoing FTA negotiations with the UK and the EU, expressing hope for an early conclusion.
Inaugurates Manchester consulate, enhancing business links
Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar, alongside Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and Minister West, inaugurated the new Indian consulate in Manchester, positioning it as a gateway for business growth in the North West. He also visited Lancashire Cricket Club at Old Trafford, highlighting the positive shift and expanding ties in the India-UK relationship.
His visit followed a meeting with Foreign Secretary David Lammy, as the UK welcomed over £100 million in Indian investment, creating jobs, boosting growth, and benefiting working people.
Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Housing, Communities, and Local Government, Angela Rayner, expressed her pride in the opening of the new Indian consulate in Manchester, calling it “a fantastic moment for our great city and the UK-India relationship.”
She highlighted the significant contributions of the Indian diaspora in Greater Manchester, stating, “The Indian community has played a vital role in the region’s historic growth and success, and I am excited to see this partnership deepen today.”
Emphasising the government's commitment to nationwide growth, she added, “The opening of this consulate supports our Plan for Change, helping to raise living standards across the region. It stands as a symbol of the UK and India’s shared commitment to fostering economic growth for the benefit of both nations.”
Indo-Pacific Minister Catherine West expressed her excitement at the opening of India’s new consulate in Manchester, stating, “It’s fantastic to be here and to meet so many from the 1.7 million-strong Indian diaspora in the UK. This consulate underscores how the UK Government’s Plan for Change is making Britain the best place to do business and driving growth across the country.”
Highlighting India’s investment in Manchester, she added, “India’s commitment to this city is a major boost for businesses across the North West, as we strengthen the UK’s £41 billion trading relationship with India. Together, we are deepening cultural ties, building people-to-people connections, and working to improve the livelihoods of people in both our nations.”
Foreign Secretary David Lammy emphasised the importance of strengthening UK-India ties, stating, “One of my first visits as Foreign Secretary was to India because deepening our partnership for shared growth and security is a key part of this government’s Plan for Change.”
Highlighting trade relations, he said, “Dr Jaishankar and I are supercharging our £41 billion trading relationship with India, following the relaunch of trade talks in Delhi. This is just the foundation—our ambitions go far beyond, benefiting both our economies.”
He also welcomed India’s expanding diplomatic presence in the UK, adding, “The opening of new Indian consulates in Belfast and Manchester reflects our growing ties and commitment to delivering growth not just in London, but across the UK. This will further strengthen our trade links and support the valued Indian community.”
At the Manchester consulate, Dr Jaishankar highlighted the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as a symbol of the India-UK bilateral relationship reaching new heights.
Jaishankar also encouraged Manchester universities to expand their presence in India, highlighting the University of Southampton’s upcoming Gurugram campus as a model for deeper academic collaboration. Additionally, he announced the UK’s first Pravasiya Bharatiya Sahayata Kendra (NRI Help Centre) to support the Indian diaspora. The minister’s visit also touched upon strengthening connectivity between India and the UK, hinting at potential direct flights between Manchester and Delhi.
During his visit, Jaishankar engaged with well-wishers in London and concluded his trip with a tour of Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, hosted by Foreign Secretary David Lammy. He joined Lammy for a Tottenham vs Bournemouth match, reinforcing India-UK ties. The visit injected fresh momentum into the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the Ministry of External Affairs stated.
