India is set to further solidify its growing relationship with the ​United Kingdom, with a series of new developments aimed at strengthening economic and diplomatic ties. Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is currently visiting the UK which is expected boost the ongoing £41 billion trade partnership between the two nations.

As part of these efforts, the UK is welcoming the opening of two new Indian consulates in Belfast and Manchester. This move aims to enhance regional economic ties and reinforce India’s growing investment in the UK, which continues to show positive momentum.

The visit comes at a time when Indian investment into the UK has reached new heights, with deals worth over £100 million across sectors such as AI, professional services, and textiles. These investments are expected to create hundreds of new jobs over the next three years, signalling a continued trend of strong growth in UK-India economic relations.

According to a statement from the British High Commission, New Delhi, this expansion follows a steady increase in Indian Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into the UK, with the value of inward FDI stock from India growing by 28% at the end of 2023. India has remained the second-largest investor in terms of the number of FDI projects for the UK for five consecutive years.

The British High Commission also highlighted the opening of the new consulates in Belfast and Manchester as key to deepening UK-India relations beyond London, supporting regional economic growth and strengthening the Indian community in the UK. These new diplomatic presences will facilitate closer ties and improve bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, and cultural exchange.

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In a meeting at Chevening House, Jaishankar and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy discussed how to drive forward the UK-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, focusing on mutual economic growth, technological innovation, and collaboration on global challenges, including climate change. They also addressed broader international issues such as Russia’s war in Ukraine and developments in the Middle East.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy stressed the importance of deepening ties with India, saying, “One of my first visits as Foreign Secretary was to India because deepening our partnership for our shared growth and security is a key part of this government’s Plan for Change. Dr Jaishankar and I are supercharging our £41 billion trading relationship with India, after trade talks were relaunched in Delhi. It is the floor, not the ceiling, of our ambitions that will benefit both our economies.”

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The UK also welcomed the opportunities presented by India’s recent increase in the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) limit in the insurance sector from 74% to 100%. This shift opens new prospects for UK insurance companies to expand their operations in India, further contributing to the bilateral trade dynamic.

The statement from the British High Commission also pointed to the Technology Security Initiative (TSI), a key initiative discussed during Jaishankar’s visit. Launched in July 2024, the TSI focuses on expanding collaboration in emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence, telecoms, and critical minerals, offering potential benefits such as more effective healthcare, more resilient supply chains, and greater job creation.