"India and the UK have a long history and a very complex history. What we are trying to do is to make history a positive force with our commonalities, shared practices and institutions... to make history work for us," Dr S Jaishankar said at a special Diwali Reception organised by the High Commission of India at Westminster Hall near the Houses of Parliament in London.
"I begin by saying the world has changed, our relationship has changed, the UK has changed, and India has changed. So you may ask me what has changed in India. You know the answer - the answer is Modi."
"The long answer actually lies in this range of initiatives that all of you have heard about for the last ten years....Initiatives like Beti Padhao, and Beti Bachao; initiatives about building toilets for girls, about the Jandhan Yojana, the financial inclusion, about building houses, the Awas Yojana... each of these schemes has delivered," he said.
On a five-day official visit to the UK with the aim of reviewing various aspects of bilateral ties, Jaishankar said a free trade agreement (FTA) is at the focus of the India-UK relationship and New Delhi is hopeful of finding a "landing point" in the negotiations that works for both sides.
The External Affairs Minister thanked British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak for taking the time to host him at 10 Downing Street on a busy Diwali day on Sunday.
He also spoke of how he "really valued" that the newly appointed Foreign Secretary David Cameron made time to meet him on day one of his new job even before he "addressed his own ministry".
Dr Jaishankar also shared insights into the fast pace of technological advances and socio-economic development underway in India and called on the UK-based Indian diaspora -- one of the largest in the world -- to spread the story of the new India.
"Today, to realise the Agenda 2030, we are focusing on what is officially called an Enhanced Trade Partnership. In common terms, it's called an FTA or free trade agreement. That is today very much the focus of what the Indian and British systems are negotiating. We hope that we will find a landing point that works for both of us," the External Affairs Minister of India said.
"India and the UK have a long history and a very complex history. What we are trying to do is to make history a positive force with our commonalities, shared practices and institutions... to make history work for us," he said.
"It was extremely satisfying to hear from him about the commitment and support for the relationship. We spent a lot of time talking about cultivating both," Jaishankar said. He shared that he also met Cameron's predecessor, new UK Home Secretary James Cleverly, whom he described as a "pillar of strength" for the bilateral relationship.
The External Affairs Minister was joined at the event by UK Foreign Office Minister Lord Tariq Ahmad and Indian High Commissioner to the UK Vikram Doraiswami.
In his tweets, Dr Jaishankar said, "Spoke about the new momentum in India-UK relations. The living bridge makes a powerful contribution in this regard. Also shared the transformation underway in our country. Explained how a New India is coming into being.
In another missive on X, he wrote: "A pleasure to meet UK Foreign Secretary @David_Cameron this afternoon on his first day in office. Congratulated him on his appointment. Held a detailed discussion on realizing the full potential of our strategic partnership. Also exchanged views on the situation in West Asia, the Ukraine conflict and the Indo-Pacific.
Look forward to working with him closely."
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