External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar lauded Indian Chevening Scholars as “great advocates” of India-UK ties during his official visit to the United Kingdom. He met the scholars alongside UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy at Chevening House.
Sharing the interaction on X, Jaishankar wrote, “Great to meet Chevening Scholars from India along with FS @DavidLammy this evening. A vivid expression of our talent and people-to-people exchanges, they surely are great advocates of India-UK ties.”
The Chevening programme, run by the UK government, offers international scholarships and fellowships, providing opportunities for global students to study at UK universities.
During his visit, Jaishankar also met UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to discuss strengthening bilateral economic cooperation and enhancing people-to-people exchanges. “Delighted to call on Prime Minister @Keir_Starmer at @10DowningStreet today. Conveyed the warm greetings of PM @narendramodi. Discussed taking forward our bilateral, economic cooperation and enhancing people-to-people exchanges. PM Starmer also shared UK’s perspective on the Ukraine conflict,” Jaishankar posted on X.
In a separate meeting with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, Jaishankar expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome and looked forward to fruitful discussions.
Earlier, Jaishankar also held talks with UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, focusing on talent flow and joint efforts to tackle trafficking and extremism. He later met Jonathan Reynolds, UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade, where they discussed progress on the India-UK free trade agreement negotiations.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, Jaishankar’s official visit to the UK and Ireland, running until March 9, aims to boost India’s diplomatic and economic ties with both countries. In Ireland, he is scheduled to meet Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris, other dignitaries, and members of the Indian community on March 6 and 7.
The visit is expected to provide renewed momentum to India’s friendly relations with the UK and Ireland.