Paper: GS – II, Subject: International Relations, Topic: India’s relations with major powers, Issue: India-UK relations.
Context:
PM Modi’s recent visit to London and the formal signing of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) marks a significant diplomatic milestone for both countries.
Key Highlights:
Historical evolution:
| Early 1990s: Opportunities emerged post–Cold War and post–economic liberalisation. |
| 1997: Queen Elizabeth II’s visit to India intended to reconcile Partition-era legacies. |
| Stagnation: India-UK ties stagnated during Labour governments (1997–2010) due to ideological rigidities and hesitations in policy engagement. |
| Recent times: Modi’s visit and interaction with King Charles III marks the start of a more pragmatic and productive phase. |
Latest developments in the India-U.K. ties:
- India’s Vision: India is moving beyond Partition-era mentalities. It is now using UK partnership to balance China, navigate multipolarity and assert global South leadership.
- Declining influence of Britain: India views the UK as a “diminished power”, especially compared to Russia or the US. Though colonial legacy continues to shape Delhi’s cautious approach, economic realism now dictates pragmatic engagement.
- FTA push: Current FTA and strategic collaboration show signs of moving beyond colonial baggage. It helps:
- Navigate post-Brexit economic goals.
- Tackle US foreign policy unpredictability.
- Diversify partnerships away from Russia and China.
- Economic Synergies: India’s GDP per capita is $3,000 vs. UK’s $55,000, offering scope for investment inflow from UK, export growth and Joint ventures in education, healthcare, defence manufacturing.
- Opportunities in Key Sectors: Cooperation can be expanded to include Technology, Defence, and Education.
- Geopolitical Realignment:
- UK is shifting from imperial nostalgia to strategic realism. Indian Ocean, manufacturing, and tech sectors became key areas of cooperation.
- Labour Party under Starmer is resetting India ties, distancing from anti-India extremists within the party.
- Role of domestic politics:
- States like Punjab, Gujarat, and Bengal now remain deeply connected to UK due to diaspora.
- English language & education aspirations also bind Indian middle class to British soft power.
Conclusion:
India and UK are at a critical inflection point. The evolving partnership is a blend of pragmatic interests, strategic convergence, and shared democratic values. Going forward, India-UK ties must be freed from historical baggage and guided by mutual benefit in a changing world order.
La Excellence IAS Academy, the best IAS coaching in Hyderabad, known for delivering quality content and conceptual clarity for UPSC 2025 preparation.
FOLLOW US ON:
◉ YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@CivilsPrepTeam
◉ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaExcellenceIAS
◉ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laexcellenceiasacademy/
GET IN TOUCH:
Contact us at info@laex.in, https://laex.in/contact-us/
or Call us @ +91 9052 29 2929, +91 9052 99 2929, +91 9154 24 2140
OUR BRANCHES:
Head Office: H No: 1-10-225A, Beside AEVA Fertility Center, Ashok Nagar Extension, VV Giri Nagar, Ashok Nagar, Hyderabad, 500020
Madhapur: Flat no: 301, survey no 58-60, Guttala begumpet Madhapur metro pillar: 1524, Rangareddy Hyderabad, Telangana 500081
Bangalore: Plot No: 99, 2nd floor, 80 Feet Road, Beside Poorvika Mobiles, Chandra Layout, Attiguppe, Near Vijaya Nagara, Bengaluru, 560040
