New Delhi: In a candid talk with Belgium Ambassador and Deputy High Commissioner of United Kingdom in India on Tuesday (11 April, 2013), there were range of issues discussed from trade to security.
While British Deputy High Commissioner to India Christina Scott talked about India-UK trade negotiations, Belgium Ambassador- Didier VANDERHASSELT recalled the bravery and professionalism of the #Indian soldiers of WWI and WWII. However, both applauded the efforts of India in global politics and economic sustainability .
During the sideline discussion, on reports claiming a halt in the trade, British Deputy High Commissioner to India Christina Scott said, “The negotiations are continuing on free trade agreements. The free trade agreement that supports British and Indian businesses.”
Christina was also asked about the security of the Indian diplomatic missions in UK. She said, “The situation right now is calm but let me first extend and repeat the assurances that my ministers have made. We take the security of the Indian High Commission very seriously.”
Earlier to this, on Monday Indian authorities also denied reports of stalling trade negotiations with the UK for trade facilitations, calling it ‘baseless’. A report by The Times said India accused Britain of failing to condemn a Sikh extremist group that attacked the Indian high commission in London last month.
However, an Indian foreign ministry source on Monday told Reuters that trade talks with Britain had not been suspended, describing a report to that effect in The Times as “baseless”.
A British diplomat in New Delhi said talks with India over trade were continuing as scheduled.
According to official UK government statistics, the India-UK bilateral trading relationship was worth GBP 34 billion in 2022 – growing by GBP 10 billion in one year. The Confederation of British Industry (CBI), the country’s leading industry body, estimates an India-UK FTA could boost trade with India by GBP 28 billion a year by 2035 and increase wages across the UK by GBP 3 billion.
Beside this India-UK FTA discussion with British deputy envoy, WNN-ST also spoke to Belgium Ambassador to India. In a reply to the question on India’s contribution in fast changing geopolitics, Didier VANDERHASSELT (Belgium Ambassador) applauded India’s effort in world politics and economic sustainability. He said, “World is watching very carefully, specially now when India has G20 presidency.”
Recalling the bravery and professionalism of the #indian soldiers at USI. #WATCH INs & OUTs With SID….:FULL a candid talk #video with #Belgium and #British envoy to #India via link.
👇🏻https://t.co/yl9C7IDBTh . @BelgiumMFA @BelgiuminIndia @UKinIndia #Beckysangels @HCI_London pic.twitter.com/5JGUdnnJdC— Dr. Shahid Siddiqui (@shahidsiddiqui) April 11, 2023
Ambassador Didier VANDERHASSELT also recalled the bravery and professionalism of the #Indian soldiers during World War I and World War II, while speaking to WNN-ST at the sideline of International Conference on “Diplomatic Dimensions of Military History: Indian Armed Forces in France and Flanders During WWI and WWII” in New Delhi, jointly organised by USI and ICWA.
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-Dr. M Shahid Siddiqui (PhD), Follow via Twitter @shahidsiddiqui
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