Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a phone conversation with his United Kingdom counterpart Rishi Sunak, reviewed the progress on a number of bilateral issues as part of the India-UK Roadmap 2030.
They expressed satisfaction at the recent high-level exchanges and growing cooperation, particularly in trade and economic sectors and agreed on the need for early conclusion of a mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement between the two countries, according to an official statement.
"Pleased to speak with UK PM Rishi Sunak. Extended Baisakhi greetings to him, and new year greetings to the vibrant Indian community in the UK," Modi tweeted. "We reviewed progress on a number of issues to further strengthen India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, including FTA. We also agreed on the need to take strong action against anti-India elements and to ensure security of Indian diplomatic establishments in the UK. We also discussed the issue of economic offenders."
The phone call came amid recent tensions involving pro-Khalistan supporters who pulled down the national flag at the Indian embassy in London, raising questions over the security of the diplomatic mission.
PM Modi raised the issue of security of Indian diplomatic establishments in the UK and called for strong action against anti-India elements by the UK Government. PM Rishi Sunak conveyed that the UK considers the attack on Indian High Commission totally unacceptable and assured of security of the Indian Mission and its personnel.
Modi also raised the issue of economic offenders who have sought refuge in the UK. He sought progress on the return of these fugitives so that they can appear before the Indian judicial system.
Modi also invited the UK PM for the G20 Summit to be held in September 2023. Sunak reiterated the UK’s full support to India’s initiatives and their success.