During his recent visit to the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged with young cricket enthusiasts at Chequers Estate, the country residence of the British Prime Minister. This interaction served to highlight the shared passion for cricket between India and the UK and to strengthen the people-to-people ties between the two nations.
The meeting took place during PM Modi's two-day visit to the UK, where he held discussions with his British counterpart, Keir Starmer, on various bilateral, regional, and global issues. A key outcome of the visit was the signing of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), a deal that has been in the making for three years. The FTA is expected to significantly boost economic ties between the two countries by eliminating tariffs on a large percentage of goods traded between them.
At Chequers Estate, PM Modi and PM Starmer met with young players from the Buckinghamshire Street Cricket Hubs. PM Modi presented the young cricketers with a special gift: a cricket bat signed by the Indian team that won the T20 World Cup in 2024.
PM Modi emphasized the importance of cricket in fostering connections between India and the UK. He used a cricket metaphor to describe the India-UK partnership, saying, "For both of us, cricket is not a game but a passion and also a great metaphor for our partnership. There may be swing and a miss at times, but we play with a straight bat. We are committed to building high-scoring and solid partnerships".
The interaction with the young cricketers was not just a symbolic gesture. It also highlighted the role of sports in promoting youth empowerment and cultural exchange. Both leaders exchanged India and England jerseys, further symbolizing the close ties between the two countries.
The India-UK FTA is expected to create thousands of jobs and boost growth across both economies. The agreement will eliminate tariffs on 99% of Indian exports to the UK and reduce tariffs on 90% of British goods exported to India. The FTA is projected to double bilateral trade by 2030, from the current $60 billion. The UK government estimates the deal will boost the UK's economy by £4.8 billion and raise wages by £2.2 billion every year in the long term.
During his visit, PM Modi also met with King Charles III and interacted with business leaders from both countries. Discussions covered various sectors, including technology, investment, climate, defense, trade, and migration. A new UK-India Vision 2035 agreement was also agreed upon, marking a "step-change" in bilateral ties for the next decade.
The India-UK partnership is built on a shared history, common values, and a commitment to democracy and the rule of law. The two countries have a growing strategic partnership, with cooperation in areas such as defense, security, and climate change. The FTA is expected to further strengthen this partnership and create new opportunities for collaboration in various sectors.
