Britain’s Foreign Secretary David Lammy has arrived in India for discussions with ministers and business leaders.

The visit aims to re-establish Britain’s ties with India and other countries in the Global South.

Mr. Lammy has described India as “an indispensable partner” in the UK government’s efforts to boost the economy and combat climate change.

With India poised to become the world’s third-largest economy, the new Labour government is eager to secure a free trade agreement.

Just three weeks into Sir Keir Starmer’s administration, the focus has swiftly turned to India.

The Labour Party emphasizes that British firms need to increase their business activities in India for economic growth.

Negotiations for a free trade agreement with India have been stagnant for months, despite ongoing discussions over the past two years.

In March, India successfully concluded a free trade agreement with non-EU countries like Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.

The foreign secretary emphasized that securing a trade deal with India is a crucial step for Britain, setting a foundation rather than a limit to the nation’s ambitions.

Talks with India have been described by sources from the previous Conservative government as nearing the “final but challenging” stages.

While Mr. Lammy’s recent trip across Europe aimed to strengthen UK-EU relations, his current visit to India is more comprehensive.

He aims to reset Britain’s relations not only with India but also with other developing countries in the Global South.

In a time of political turbulence in Europe and the United States, the UK government seeks to enhance relations with other strategic allies, including India, which Mr. Lammy considers the emerging superpower of the 21st century.