Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, in talks with British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, explored strategic convergence across regions and discussed priority areas for further progress in health, trade, climate, defence and security. In bilateral talks through a video call on Thursday, the ministers discussed how they could coordinate efforts to deliver deeper cooperation and collaboration between the two countries.

They reflected on key achievements, such as the Enhanced Trade Partnership announced earlier this week which removes market barriers and will help create new jobs in the two countries, including in strategic areas like science and technology, IBNS reported. 

"Post-Brexit UK and New India are natural partners. The many UKs (Global, Atlantic, European, City of London, Diaspora, Innovation & Strategic) have much to offer India," said Jaishankar in a tweet.

Speaking also in a Policy Exchange webinar on India-UK relations, he said the two countries "must consciously make history work positively" for both.

The two Ministers discussed the need for deeper collaboration to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic and agreed on the need for swift and equitable access to vaccines around the world.

"Global repercussions of Covid strengthen the case for an upgraded relationship," said the EAM.

On climate change, both ministers agreed that it was important to build on the momentum growing among the international community ahead of COP26 in Glasgow.

They discussed regional issues including the UK’s successful application for ASEAN Dialogue Partner status, and how the two countries and ASEAN nations could work together to bring an end to the military coup in Myanmar.

Finally, they discussed the need for deeper collaboration to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic and agreed on the need for swift and equitable access to vaccines around the world.

On May 4, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his UK counterpart Boris Johnson agreed on a common vision of a new and transformational Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and adopted an ambitious India-UK Roadmap 2030 to steer cooperation for the next ten years.

"The Modi-Johnson Summit has redefined the contours of Inda-UK relationship," said Jaishankar.