Jaishankar Meets UK PM to Discuss Economic Ties and CETA

S. Jaishankar meets UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham at CHOGM 2026 to discuss CETA, bilateral economic cooperation and broader Commonwealth trade priorities.

India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met United Kingdom Prime Minister Andy Burnham on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2026 in St John’s, Antigua and Barbuda, to discuss strengthening bilateral economic cooperation under the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). The meeting took place on Wednesday, November 4, local time, as both countries explored opportunities to deepen trade and business engagement.

In a post on social media platform X, Jaishankar said he conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s warm wishes to his British counterpart. He added that the discussions focused on strengthening the economic partnership in the context of CETA and reviewing the broader global landscape. The meeting reflects the two countries’ efforts to advance their trade relationship and build on the framework provided by the agreement.

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Alongside the bilateral engagement, Jaishankar participated in the Commonwealth Heads of Government and Business Leaders Breakfast Meeting at the Retreat. Addressing Commonwealth partners, he emphasised the importance of strengthening economic cooperation by diversifying trade relationships and developing shorter, more reliable supply chains. He also highlighted the need to improve connectivity corridors to facilitate the movement of goods and support cross-border business activities.

Jaishankar called for greater attention to local distribution networks, training and capacity-building initiatives. He noted that the Indian business community, with its presence across several countries, represents an important resource for strengthening commercial links and encouraging investment within the Commonwealth.

Technology and digital infrastructure also featured in his remarks. Jaishankar described digital solutions as an important driver of efficiency, good governance and economic growth. He highlighted India's experience in developing digital public infrastructure as an area that could contribute to wider cooperation among Commonwealth countries.

On climate action, he identified the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure as platforms through which member countries could expand collaboration. He also referred to India's experience in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, stressing the importance of establishing local response hubs and improving coordination among participating nations. Greater mobility of skills was another area he identified for Commonwealth cooperation.

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Earlier, on November 4, Jaishankar represented India at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Executive Session, where he highlighted India's digital public infrastructure model and its recent free trade agreements.

The 2026 CHOGM is being held in St John's under the theme "Accelerating Partnerships and Investment for a Prosperous Commonwealth". The discussions bring together leaders and business representatives to explore opportunities for investment, trade diversification and stronger economic partnerships among member countries.