As a special gesture, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will participate in the National Security Advisor (NSA) Dialogue in London ‘for a while’ with Ajit Doval and Tim Barrow.
The Indian High Commission in London tweeted about it, saying that the governments of both countries prioritise expanding strategic collaborations in trade, defence, science, and technology.
“A special gesture by PM @rishisunak to join for a while NSA dialogue btwn Sir Tim Barrow & Mr Doval at @cabinetofficeuk. Deeply value PM’s assurance of his Govts full support to deepen strategic partnership in trade, defence, S&T. Look forward to visit of Sir Tim to soon,” the High Commission of India in London tweeted.
According to sources, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval will meet with his UK colleague Tim Barrow in London. Tim Barrow was appointed as the United Kingdom’s National Security Adviser in September 2022.
According to the Government of the United Kingdom’s official website, Barrow was the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office’s (FCDO) Political Director and Second Permanent Under-Secretary.
The relationship between India and the United Kingdom is frequently described as a Living Bridge, a dynamic economic force of people, businesses, and ideas. The United Kingdom (UK) and India have a comprehensive strategic cooperation. The two countries have already completed six rounds of trade negotiations and will begin the next round very shortly.
Notably, India and the United Kingdom commenced discussions for a Free Trade Agreement in January 2022. The free trade deal between the United Kingdom and India is well underway. Despite the fact that trade is currently worth 29.6 billion pounds, India is the UK’s 12th largest trading partner.
During a phone discussion with his Indian counterpart, Britain’s first Indian-origin Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed hope that the trade agreement would be finalised. NSA Doval’s visit to London comes after he met with his US counterpart Jake Sullivan in Washington last week.