Contact Us 
Subscribe Us
Key discussions revolved around progress under the India-UK Roadmap 2030
India and the United Kingdom convened the second edition of the 2+2 Foreign and Defence Dialogue in New Delhi on Monday (December 3, 2024). This high-level mechanism continues to play a pivotal role in advancing the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations.
The Indian delegation was led by Piyush Srivastava, Joint Secretary (Europe West), Ministry of External Affairs, and Vishwesh Negi, Joint Secretary (International Cooperation), Ministry of Defence. Representing the UK were Ben Mellor, India Director, Indian Ocean Directorate, Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, and Shimon Fhima, Director Strategic Programmes, Ministry of Defence.
During the dialogue, both delegations reviewed the entire gamut of the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. They emphasized the importance of sustained high-level engagement to ensure the dynamic partnership continues to thrive. Key discussions revolved around progress under the India-UK Roadmap 2030, a long-term vision to strengthen bilateral relations.
The delegations agreed on the need to revitalize the roadmap by identifying new focus areas of collaboration, ensuring its relevance in addressing emerging challenges and opportunities.
Key Areas of Discussion
The dialogue covered a broad range of priorities that underline the strategic and multifaceted nature of the India-UK relationship:
Economic and Trade Relations
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening economic ties, with a specific focus on concluding a mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement (FTA) at the earliest. This agreement is expected to unlock significant opportunities for businesses in both countries, fostering growth and innovation.
Defence and Security Cooperation
The dialogue addressed the bolstering of defence and security ties, including collaboration in areas such as cyber security, counter-terrorism, and critical defense technologies. Discussions also included progress on the Defence Industrial Roadmap, which aims to enhance cooperation in manufacturing and innovation.
Critical and Emerging Technologies
Innovation was another critical theme, with both sides exploring opportunities in critical and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and advanced manufacturing. The recently launched Technology and Security Initiative serves as a cornerstone for these efforts.
Clean and Green Energy
Deepening cooperation in clean energy and green technologies remains a shared priority, with both nations committed to addressing climate change through sustainable practices and innovation.
Cultural and People-to-People Linkages
The dialogue also focused on enhancing cultural, educational, and people-to-people exchanges, recognizing their role in fostering mutual understanding and strengthening ties at a grassroots level.
Several new initiatives were highlighted during the dialogue, demonstrating tangible progress across diverse sectors:
Technology and Security Initiative: A framework for collaboration in cutting-edge technologies and national security.
UK-India Infrastructure Finance Bridge: A platform to facilitate investments in sustainable and resilient infrastructure projects.
Electric Propulsion Capability Partnership: A program focusing on advanced propulsion technologies in defense and civilian sectors.
Both sides exchanged views on recent global and regional developments, reiterating their shared vision for a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region. This aligns with their mutual commitment to peace, stability, and prosperity in a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape.
Institutional Framework of the Dialogue
The 2+2 Foreign and Defence Dialogue is a critical bilateral mechanism aimed at aligning foreign policy and defense objectives. Established as part of the India-UK Roadmap 2030, the dialogue complements other bilateral initiatives, such as the India-UK Defence and International Security Partnership (2015). It provides a platform to address security and geopolitical challenges, fostering coordinated efforts to ensure global stability.
The successful conclusion of the second 2+2 Dialogue paves the way for the next edition, scheduled to be held in the UK in 2025. This continuity reflects the enduring commitment of both nations to nurture their strategic partnership and adapt to evolving challenges.
As India and the UK strengthen their bilateral ties, this dialogue serves as a testament to their shared vision of global peace, economic prosperity, and technological advancement. The partnership remains a cornerstone of stability and progress, not just for the two nations but also for the broader international community.
The Indian delegation was led by Piyush Srivastava, Joint Secretary (Europe West), Ministry of External Affairs, and Vishwesh Negi, Joint Secretary (International Cooperation), Ministry of Defence. Representing the UK were Ben Mellor, India Director, Indian Ocean Directorate, Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, and Shimon Fhima, Director Strategic Programmes, Ministry of Defence.
During the dialogue, both delegations reviewed the entire gamut of the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. They emphasized the importance of sustained high-level engagement to ensure the dynamic partnership continues to thrive. Key discussions revolved around progress under the India-UK Roadmap 2030, a long-term vision to strengthen bilateral relations.
The delegations agreed on the need to revitalize the roadmap by identifying new focus areas of collaboration, ensuring its relevance in addressing emerging challenges and opportunities.
Key Areas of Discussion
The dialogue covered a broad range of priorities that underline the strategic and multifaceted nature of the India-UK relationship:
Economic and Trade Relations
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening economic ties, with a specific focus on concluding a mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement (FTA) at the earliest. This agreement is expected to unlock significant opportunities for businesses in both countries, fostering growth and innovation.
Defence and Security Cooperation
The dialogue addressed the bolstering of defence and security ties, including collaboration in areas such as cyber security, counter-terrorism, and critical defense technologies. Discussions also included progress on the Defence Industrial Roadmap, which aims to enhance cooperation in manufacturing and innovation.
Critical and Emerging Technologies
Innovation was another critical theme, with both sides exploring opportunities in critical and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and advanced manufacturing. The recently launched Technology and Security Initiative serves as a cornerstone for these efforts.
Clean and Green Energy
Deepening cooperation in clean energy and green technologies remains a shared priority, with both nations committed to addressing climate change through sustainable practices and innovation.
Cultural and People-to-People Linkages
The dialogue also focused on enhancing cultural, educational, and people-to-people exchanges, recognizing their role in fostering mutual understanding and strengthening ties at a grassroots level.
Several new initiatives were highlighted during the dialogue, demonstrating tangible progress across diverse sectors:
Technology and Security Initiative: A framework for collaboration in cutting-edge technologies and national security.
UK-India Infrastructure Finance Bridge: A platform to facilitate investments in sustainable and resilient infrastructure projects.
Electric Propulsion Capability Partnership: A program focusing on advanced propulsion technologies in defense and civilian sectors.
Both sides exchanged views on recent global and regional developments, reiterating their shared vision for a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region. This aligns with their mutual commitment to peace, stability, and prosperity in a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape.
Institutional Framework of the Dialogue
The 2+2 Foreign and Defence Dialogue is a critical bilateral mechanism aimed at aligning foreign policy and defense objectives. Established as part of the India-UK Roadmap 2030, the dialogue complements other bilateral initiatives, such as the India-UK Defence and International Security Partnership (2015). It provides a platform to address security and geopolitical challenges, fostering coordinated efforts to ensure global stability.
The successful conclusion of the second 2+2 Dialogue paves the way for the next edition, scheduled to be held in the UK in 2025. This continuity reflects the enduring commitment of both nations to nurture their strategic partnership and adapt to evolving challenges.
As India and the UK strengthen their bilateral ties, this dialogue serves as a testament to their shared vision of global peace, economic prosperity, and technological advancement. The partnership remains a cornerstone of stability and progress, not just for the two nations but also for the broader international community.
Contact Us 
Subscribe 
News Letter 
