New Delhi, June 5 (APAC Media): India and the United Kingdom have announced a series of new initiatives covering critical minerals, higher education, and maritime security following discussions between External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper during her official visit to India.
The two leaders reviewed the progress of bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on regional and global issues, including developments in West Asia, while reaffirming their commitment to deepening the India–UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Critical Minerals Partnership Launched
One of the key outcomes of the visit was the launch of the UK–India Critical Minerals Supply Chain Observatory (GSCO), a joint initiative aimed at strengthening collaboration in the critical minerals sector and enhancing the sustainability of global supply chains.
The observatory is expected to support both countries in addressing emerging geopolitical and economic challenges while promoting secure and diversified access to critical mineral resources.
UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper and Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy formally launched the initiative during the visit.
University of Liverpool to Establish Bengaluru Campus
In another significant development, the Ministry of Education issued a Letter of Approval to the University of Liverpool for the establishment of its campus in Bengaluru under the framework of India’s National Education Policy (NEP).
The university is expected to commence its academic operations from the next session, further deepening educational collaboration between India and the UK.
Maritime Security Cooperation Enhanced
The visit also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between King’s College London and the National Maritime Foundation for the establishment of the Regional Maritime Security Centre for Excellence (RMSCE).
The centre will function under the Maritime Security pillar of the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) and is intended to help countries in the Indian Ocean region strengthen capabilities to tackle emerging maritime security challenges.
Focus on Vision 2035 Roadmap
During the discussions, Jaishankar and Cooper reviewed progress under the India–UK Vision 2035 roadmap, which serves as the framework for cooperation across strategic, economic, and security sectors.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who also met Cooper during her visit, highlighted the growing momentum in bilateral relations and expressed confidence that the Vision 2035 roadmap would continue to guide the two nations.
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