NEW DELHI, Apr 13: The Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to his UK counterpart Rishi Sunak over the phone on Thursday and reviewed the progress on a number of bilateral issues as part of the India-UK Roadmap 2030. Modi also raised the recent incidents of anti-India activities in the UK during the call.
The leaders expressed satisfaction at the recent high-level exchanges and growing cooperation, particularly in the trade and economic sectors, and agreed on the need for early conclusion of a mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement between the two countries.
Modi raised the issue of the security of Indian diplomatic establishments in the UK and called for strong action against anti-India elements by the UK government. Rishi Sunak reiterated that the UK considered the attacks on the Indian High Commission totally unacceptable and assured security of the Indian Mission and its personnel.
Modi also spoke about the financial offenders who have sought refuge in the UK and sought a progress report on the return of these fugitives, for them to be tried under the Indian judicial system. Modi also invited Rishi Sunak to the G20 Summit which will be held in India in September. Rishi Sunak appreciated the progress made under India’s presidency of the G20 and reiterated the UK’s full support for India’s initiatives and their success.
(Manas Dasgupta)