India, UK hold 2nd multilateral dialogue; agree to work closely, increase cooperation

India and UK held a second multilateral dialogue on Monday, October 18, in London and agreed to work more closely and “deepen” cooperation, said Ministry of External Affairs on Wednesday. While Indian delegation was led by Prakash Gupta, Joint Secretary (UN Political), Ministry of External Affairs, British side was led by Harriet Maws CMB OBE, Deputy Political Director for UN, UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). 

MEA said in its official release that UK side congratulated India over its successful presidency of United Nations Security Council in August this year. Both countries exchanged views of mutual interest pertaining to UN reforms, counterterrorism, peacekeeping and climate action. Or discussions also took place on Commonwealth Strategic Plan and priorities. UK and Indian delegation agreed to continue to work closely to furr elevate cooperation on multilateral issues.

MEA statement re, “ 2nd India-UK Multilateral Dialogue was held on 18 October 2021 in London... UK side congratulated India on its successful presidency of UN Security Council in August 2021. Discussions covered issues of mutual interest pertaining to UN reforms, counterterrorism, peacekeeping and climate action.”

“Both sides exchanged views on Commonwealth Strategic Plan and priorities. delegations agreed to continue to work closely to furr deepen ir cooperation on multilateral issues,” it ded.

India-UK Multilateral Dialogue

2nd India-UK Multilateral Dialogue on October 18, came just days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his UK counterpart Boris Johnson spoke on Monday, October 11. In a tweet following phone call, PM Modi informed that both leers discussed progress me on India-UK nda 2030 while exchanging views on 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference, also kwn as COP26, in Glasgow. Johnson and PM Modi also discussed situation in Afghanistan which is rocked by socio-ecomic crisis amid Taliban takeover.

PM Modi informed, "Was a pleasure to speak to Prime Minister @BorisJohnson. We reviewed progress on India-UK nda 2030, exchanged views on climate action in context of forthcoming COP-26 in Glasgow, and shared our assessments on regional issues including Afghanistan."

IM: ANI/AP