Jaishankar Meets UK PM Andy Burnham at CHOGM 2026, Discusses CETA and Economic Partnership

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met British Prime Minister Andy Burnham on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2026 in Antigua and Barbuda on Wednesday. The two leaders discussed ways to strengthen India-UK economic relations, with particular attention to the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). Jaishankar shared details of the meeting in a post on X, saying he conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's warm wishes to Burnham. Their discussions covered opportunities to deepen bilateral economic cooperation and strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries.

The meeting comes amid efforts by New Delhi and London to expand trade and investment ties and translate the recently concluded trade agreement into practical benefits for businesses in both countries. The India-UK CETA is expected to improve market access, reduce trade barriers and create fresh opportunities across several sectors, including textiles, engineering, pharmaceuticals, automobiles, agriculture and services. It is also expected to encourage investment and strengthen commercial links between Indian and British companies.

Jaishankar's meeting with Burnham took place as Commonwealth leaders gathered in St. John's for the 2026 summit, which is focused on accelerating partnerships and investment for a prosperous Commonwealth. During another engagement at the summit, Jaishankar participated in the Commonwealth Heads of Government and Business Leaders Breakfast Meeting. He called for stronger economic cooperation among member countries and emphasised the need to diversify supply chains to make them more resilient to global disruptions.

He also highlighted the importance of developing reliable connectivity corridors, strengthening distribution networks and investing in skills and capacity building. The minister further underlined India's experience in digital public infrastructure and its potential to support economic development across Commonwealth nations. He pointed to initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure as important platforms for expanding cooperation in renewable energy and climate resilience.

India and the UK have been working to broaden their partnership across trade, technology, defence, education, clean energy and investment. The implementation of CETA is expected to add momentum to these efforts by providing businesses with improved access to each other's markets. The discussions at CHOGM reflect India's efforts to strengthen economic partnerships with Commonwealth countries while promoting more diversified trade networks and investment opportunities. The Commonwealth summit in Antigua and Barbuda provides an important platform for member nations to discuss shared economic priorities, international challenges and opportunities for closer cooperation.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Hindustan Times.