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UK Foreign Secretary in India as part of diplomatic push to counter Ukraine crisis

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UK Foreign Secretary in India as part of diplomatic push to counter Ukraine crisis
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London, March 31: UK Foreign Secretary Elizabeth Truss is in India to discuss Russia's actions on Ukraine with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and underline the importance of democracies to work together to deter "aggressors" and "reduce vulnerability to coercion," the British High Commission said. Truss, who arrived in India on Thursday on an official visit, will point to the importance of all countries reducing strategic dependency on Russia at this time of heightened global insecurity, as per a statement issued by the British High Commission. UK Foreign Secretary is in India as part of a wider diplomatic push to counter Russia's aggression in Ukraine, ahead of key NATO and G7 meetings next week. According to a statement from the British Foreign Office, the Foreign Secretary will meet with External Affairs Minister Jaishankar to discuss regional and global issues of mutual interest. "In a meeting with Jaishankar, the Foreign Secretary will discuss Russia's actions of Ukraine, underlining the importance of democracies working closer together to deter aggressors, reduce vulnerability to coercion and strengthen global security," the statement read.
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Focus shifts to India amid Russia-Ukraine war Truss stated that "Deeper ties between Britain and India will boost security in the Indo-Pacific and globally, and create jobs and opportunities in both countries." "This matters even more in the context of Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine and underlines the need for free democracies to work closer together in areas like defence, trade and cyber security," the British Foreign Secretary continued. Also Read | Pakistan: Imran Khan claims possessing 'threat letter' exposing foreign conspiracy to topple his govt Truss will advance talks to expand defence-related trade, especially breakthrough security technology, and enhance defence ties with the world's greatest democracy during her visit. "India is an economic and tech powerhouse, the world's largest democracy and a great friend of Britain, and I want to build an even closer relationship between our two nations," she added. According to the British High Commission, Truss will also work to strengthen the cyber security and defence cooperation between the two countries and will announce a new joint cyber security programme. Focus shifts to India amid Russia-Ukraine war The programme will aim to protect online infrastructure in both countries from cyber attacks. India and the UK will work together to boost cyber security and carry out joint exercises to practise combatting threats from cybercriminals and ransomware. Truss and Jaishankar will speak at the India-UK Strategic Futures Forum on Thursday to lay out their vision for the two countries' long-term relationship. The UK and India will also agree to enhance marine cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, according to the statement. The United Kingdom will become a lead partner on marine security issues in India's Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative, coordinating work with key Southeast Asian countries. Since taking office, the Foreign Secretary has emphasized strengthening ties with India as a top priority. This is her second visit to the country as Foreign Secretary, following a trip in October, and her third as a Secretary of State in the previous 13 months. Focus shifts to India amid Russia-Ukraine war The Foreign Secretary will also confirm 70 million pounds of British International Investment (BII) funding to support renewable energy use in India. This will aid in the development of renewable energy capacity and solar power in the region. According to the release, she will also confirm plans for a new platform that would allow British investors to bid for green infrastructure, technology, and business opportunities in India. The visit of the British Foreign Secretary to India coincides with that of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who is in India for a two-day official visit. On Friday, Lavrov is scheduled to meet and speak with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. Also Read | Strict lockdown policy to slash China's GDP by half -PTC News-
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