India-UK launch Enhanced Trade Partnership, adopt Roadmap 2030: Key points from PM Narendra Modi-UK PM Boris Johnson virtual summit

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and United Kingdom PM Boris Johnson held a virtual summit on Tuesday (May 4, 2021) where the two leaders launched an Enhanced Trade Partnership and adopted 'Roadmap 2030'. 

 

(Photo: Twitter/BorisJohnson)

The 'Roadmap 2030' was adopted at the Summit to elevate bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

 

According to the Indian Prime Minister's Office, the Roadmap will pave the way for a deeper and stronger engagement over the next ten years in the key areas of people to people contacts, trade and economy, defence and security, climate action and health.

 

 

(Photo: PIB)

Modi and Johnson launched an 'Enhanced Trade Partnership' (ETP) to unleash the trade potential between the 5th and 6th largest economies of the world and by setting an ambitious target of more than doubling bilateral trade by 2030. 

 

As part of the ETP, India and the UK agreed on a roadmap to negotiate a comprehensive and balanced FTA, including consideration of an Interim Trade Agreement for delivering early gains. 

 

The enhanced trade partnership between India and UK will reportedly generate several thousands of direct and indirect jobs in both countries. 

 

(Photo: PIB)

The two leaders also discussed the COVID-19 situation and ongoing cooperation in the fight against the pandemic, including the successful partnership on coronavirus vaccines. 

 

Modi thanked Johnson for the prompt medical assistance provided by the UK in the wake of the severe second wave of COVID-19 in India. 

 

Johnson appreciated India's role in extending assistance to the UK and other countries over the last year, including by way of supply of pharmaceuticals and vaccines.  

 

 

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Both Prime Ministers exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest, including cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, and G7. 

 

Modi and Johnson reiterated commitment to climate action to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement and agreed to closely engage in the run-up to CoP26 hosted by the UK later this year. 

 

India and the UK launched a comprehensive partnership on migration and mobility that will facilitate greater opportunities for the mobility of students and professionals between the two countries. 

 

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The Indian Prime Minister expressed his desire to be able to welcome UK Prime Minister in India at his convenience after the situation stabilizes. 

 

Johnson also reiterated his invitation to Modi to visit UK for the G-7 Summit. 

 

(File photo)