Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in Delhi on Tuesday to discuss potential avenues for strengthening financial ties between India and the UK and driving economic growth. The meeting also focused on leveraging the Commonwealth to bring mutual concerns to the G7 agenda for the benefit of the Global South.
The discussion aligns with India’s ongoing efforts to champion the interests of developing nations on the global stage. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier emphasized India’s commitment to advocating for the Global South at the G7 Summit in Italy’s Apulia region in June, highlighting the disproportionate impact of global uncertainties and tensions on these countries.
Global South and India’s G7 Advocacy
PM Modi has consistently advocated for giving developing nations a stronger voice in global decision-making. Under India’s G20 presidency, the country played a key role in securing the African Union’s permanent membership in the group, a move widely seen as a step toward greater representation for the Global South.
At the G7 Summit, the Prime Minister also called for an end to technological monopolies by advanced nations. He underscored the need for transparent and fair global governance in artificial intelligence (AI), referencing India’s leadership in the sector. India was one of the first countries to develop a national AI strategy and launch an AI mission focused on ‘AI for All.’
Additionally, PM Modi outlined India’s energy principles—availability, accessibility, affordability, and acceptability—reiterating the country’s commitment to achieving Net Zero by 2070 and promoting global sustainability.
Strengthening India-UK Relations
Nirmala Sitharaman’s meeting with Rishi Sunak followed a similar engagement between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and the former UK Prime Minister a day earlier.
“Nice to meet former UK PM @RishiSunak in Delhi today. Appreciate his constant support for strengthening India-UK relations,” Jaishankar posted on X, sharing pictures of their meeting.
With India and the UK exploring deeper financial and strategic cooperation, these high-profile discussions signal a renewed push for stronger bilateral relations and enhanced global collaboration on economic and policy issues.
Sources By Agencies