At the G20 Summit in Brazil, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi revealed plans to open two new Indian Consulates General in Manchester and Belfast, aiming to strengthen ties with the UK and support the expanding Indian diaspora there.

While attending the G20 Summit in Brazil, Prime Minister Modi informed UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer of India's decision to establish Consulates General in both Manchester and Belfast, catering to the increasing needs of the Indian community in the UK.

"The decision to open these new Consulates comes as part of efforts to enhance engagement between the two countries, particularly in light of the growing economic and business relations. These consulates will also serve the consular needs of the Indian population in the UK," stated the Ministry of External Affairs. Prime Minister Starmer expressed his approval of the initiative.

UK-India to Resume Trade Talks: Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office announced that the UK will resume negotiations for a free trade agreement with India in the new year, following a pause due to elections in both nations. The talks will aim to establish a "new strategic partnership" between the UK and India, focusing on areas such as security, education, technology, and climate change.

The UK government’s Department for Business and Trade (DBT) is preparing to unveil a new trade strategy aligned with the country's industrial goals, which will guide future trade talks and support sustainable, inclusive, and resilient growth.

"India is the world's fifth-largest economy and a crucial trade partner for the UK. We see tremendous potential for a mutually beneficial agreement," said UK Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds. He emphasized the importance of reducing Indian tariffs to boost British exports and further increasing investment, which already supports over 600,000 jobs in both countries.

Prime Minister Modi at the G20 Summit: PM Modi, currently in Brazil as part of his three-nation tour, is actively engaging in G20 Summit discussions as part of the G20 Troika alongside Brazil and South Africa. During the summit, Modi addressed a session on "Social Inclusion and the Fight Against Hunger and Poverty," where he highlighted India's achievement of lifting 250 million people out of poverty in the past decade. He also reiterated India's commitment to supporting Brazil's initiative for a global alliance to combat hunger and poverty.