PM Liz Truss and PM Narendra Modi discuss bilateral ties between the UK and India

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India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to the newly elected Prime Minister of the UK, Liz Truss, last week to futher strengthen strategic ties between both the nations, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

MEA said in a statement, “PM Modi congratulated PM Truss on assuming the office of the Prime Minister of the UK. He also appreciated her contributions to the India-UK bilateral relationship in her previous roles as Trade Secretary and Foreign Secretary. Both leaders committed to further strengthen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and UK.”

Truss took over the office last Tuesday, after defeating Rishi Sunak in the race to become the new PM of the UK after Boris Johnson was forced to step down. This was her first conversation with Modi since assuming the office.

Both the leaders discussed several issues of bilateral interest, including the progress in carrying out the Roadmap-2030, the ongoing FTA negotiations, defence and security cooperation, and people-to-people ties between the two countries, according to Indian Express.

MEA also mentioned in the statement, “On behalf of the people of India, Prime Minister Modi conveyed deep condolences to the Royal family and the people of UK on the sad demise of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II” as the country mourns Her Majesty’s loss.

The UK Prime Minister’s office at 10 Downing Street said, “The Prime Minister spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi this afternoon, following the death of Her Majesty The Queen…the Prime Minister thanked Prime Minister Modi for his heartfelt condolences, which he said were on behalf of 1.3 billion Indians.” “The leaders acknowledged the grief felt by the many people of the UK and India, and paid tribute to Her Majesty The Queen’s lifetime of service,” Downing Street stated. “The two agreed on the vital importance of the UK-India relationship and looked forward to meeting in person in the near future.”