Britain's Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, has arrived in India for discussions with ministers and business leaders. This visit aims to reset Britain's relationship with India and the broader

Global South. Lammy has described India as an "indispensable partner" in the government's efforts to boost the economy and combat climate change. With India's economy soon to become the third largest in the world, the new Labour government is keen to secure a free trade agreement.

Just three weeks into Sir Keir Starmer's administration, the focus on India is evident. For Labour to achieve growth, British firms need to expand their business in the country. Talks on a free trade agreement with India have been stalled for months after two years of negotiations. In March, India signed a free trade agreement with Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, and Liechtenstein, all non-European Union states.

The foreign secretary emphasized that reinforcing the UK's commitment to securing a deal is just the beginning of Britain's ambitions. Last year, sources from the former Conservative government indicated that trade talks with India were in their "final but trickier" stages. A trade deal with India is seen as a major prize post-Brexit.

Earlier this month, Lammy's first foreign trip as a cabinet member involved meetings with European leaders to improve UK-EU relations. However, the current trip to India focuses on more than just economics. Recognizing India as a key player in the Global South, Lammy aims to reset Britain's relations with developing countries. Amid political instability in Europe and the US, the UK seeks to strengthen ties with other allies, including India, which Lammy calls the emerging superpower of the 21st century. Photo by Wikimedia commons.