New Delhi [India], December 4 (HBTV): The second India-UK 2+2 Foreign and Defence Dialogue took place in New Delhi on Tuesday, highlighting the deepening strategic partnership between the two nations.

The Indian delegation was led by Piyush Srivastava, Joint Secretary for Europe West in the Ministry of External Affairs, and Vishwesh Negi, Joint Secretary for International Cooperation in the Ministry of Defence. Representing the UK were Ben Mellor, India Director at the Indian Ocean Directorate, Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, and Shimon Fhima, Director of Strategic Programmes in the Ministry of Defence, according to an official release by the Ministry of External Affairs.

Discussions centered around the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, emphasizing the importance of sustained high-level engagement to enhance the bilateral relationship. Both sides reviewed progress under the India-UK Roadmap 2030 and explored new areas of collaboration.

Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, shared updates on X, stating: 'The second India-UK 2+2 Foreign and Defence Dialogue was held in New Delhi today. Both sides reviewed progress made in diverse areas of India-UK cooperation and discussed ways to further strengthen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.'

Key priorities included expediting economic and trade relations, particularly finalizing a mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement (FTA), bolstering defence and security cooperation—especially in cyber and counter-terrorism—and advancing innovation in emerging technologies. Additional focus areas included clean energy, health, and fostering cultural, educational, and people-to-people ties.

The dialogue also highlighted progress in initiatives such as the Technology and Security Initiative, the UK-India Infrastructure Finance Bridge, the Electric Propulsion Capability Partnership, and developments in the Defence Industrial Roadmap. Both delegations acknowledged the critical role of these programs in strengthening collaboration and achieving shared objectives.

Exchanging views on global and regional developments, the delegations reaffirmed their commitment to peace, stability, and prosperity in a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific. This vision underscores their shared strategic interests in tackling global challenges and enhancing regional security.

The dialogue concluded with an agreement to host the third edition in the UK in 2025, further reinforcing the trajectory of their evolving partnership.

(ANI)