LONDON: PM Modi talks to UK PM Rishi Sunak, discusses free trade deal

LONDON: Prime Minister Narendra Modi talked to UK PM Rishi Sunak on last Thursday and conveyed his hope that the two nations could continue to make further progress towards a trade deal.

“Glad to speak to Rishi Sunak today. Congratulated him on assuming charge as UK PM. We will work together to further strengthen our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. We also agreed on the importance of early conclusion of a comprehensive and balanced FTA,” tweeted PM Modi.

Moments after PM Modi’s tweet, the UK PM replied: “Thank you Prime Minister Narendra Modi for your kind words as I get started in my new role. The UK and India share so much. I’m excited about what our two great democracies can achieve as we deepen our security, defence and economic partnership in the and years ahead.”

Britain’s foreign secretary James Cleverly is also coming to India on Friday to hold talks with external affairs minister S Jaishankar. The two will discuss strengthening diplomatic ties, Britain’s Foreign Office said.