India-UK relations will strengthen markedly

Significance

Delhi and London have a strategic partnership, but relations have for many years been lukewarm. Each side has talked up the prospect of a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA).

Impacts

• India-UK trade will grow, even without an FTA.
• The number of Indian students at UK universities will increase.
• COVID-19 vaccine development, along with science, technology and climate change, will be key areas of focus in bilateral consultations.