UK Foreign Minister David Lammy met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday in New Delhi. This visit came shortly after India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire on May 10, ending their most intense conflict in nearly 30 years. Lammy became the most senior Western official to visit both New Delhi and Islamabad since the ceasefire.
Calls for Global Action on Terrorism
During the meeting, PM Modi stressed the need for “decisive international action against terrorism and those supporting it.” According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Lammy “strongly condemned the Pahalgam terror attack.”
Tensions rose sharply in April after 26 people were killed in Kashmir. India blamed Pakistan-backed militants, while Pakistan denied the accusation. India responded with strikes on what it called terrorist infrastructure inside Pakistan, which led to retaliation before the ceasefire was agreed.
UK Aims to Support Stability
Speaking at the British High Commissioner’s residence in New Delhi, Lammy said, “We want the situation to be maintained, but of course we recognise fragility, particularly in the backdrop of terrorism, terrorism designed to destabilise India.” He added, “We are keen to continue to work with our Indian partners on counter-terrorism measures.”
Strengthening Trade and Strategic Partnership
Modi expressed satisfaction over the successful conclusion of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement and the Double Contribution Convention. He appreciated the “constructive engagement by both sides that led to this milestone.” Lammy said, “I know that Prime Minister Keir Starmer is very much looking forward to coming to India very soon to sign the free trade agreement.”
Thank you Prime Minister @narendramodi for your warm welcome to India. Building on the free trade agreement between our great countries, we will continue working together to deepen our partnership, celebrate our unique living bridge, and deliver growth and security. pic.twitter.com/UbPXRey4Wn
— David Lammy (@DavidLammy) June 7, 2025
Modi also welcomed the deepening of the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. He highlighted ongoing cooperation under the Technology Security Initiative and its potential to “shape trusted and secure innovation ecosystems.”
Pleased to meet UK Foreign Secretary Mr. David Lammy. Appreciate his substantive contribution to the remarkable progress in our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, further strengthened by the recently concluded FTA. Value UK’s support for India’s fight against cross-border… pic.twitter.com/8PDLWEwyTl
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 7, 2025
Continuing Cooperation on Security
Although Lammy did not provide details, he mentioned discussing next steps with Modi and Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar. Last year, India and Britain focused on combating terrorism financing, enhancing cooperation between law enforcement and judicial bodies, and sharing information.
Looking Ahead
Lammy concluded, “There is so much that our two nations can continue to do together.” Both countries aim to build on their partnership, strengthening security, trade, and strategic collaboration in the future.