Trade negotiations between the UK and India are reportedly in its “final but trickier” stages, the BBC reported.

This week, G20 trade ministers are expected to gather in India under the leadership of Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch.

Whether a trade agreement will be reached before Rishi Sunak’s travel to India in September has been the subject of rumours.

However, the BBC has been informed that the UK government does not anticipate that a complete deal will be reached by then.

The BBC report nevertheless highlights that there are still some “big nuts to crack” before an agreement could potentially be reached in the coming “months.”

The government has long viewed a trade agreement with India as one of the most advantageous bilateral agreements the UK could make after Brexit.

Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson had pledged last year that an agreement would be “done” by Diwali in 2022,&nbsp;but that target was missed.

The UK is eager to reach a deal that might lower import duties on UK exports like cars and whisky, which are currently subject to triple-figure import charges in India.

Because of these levies, UK goods are less affordable in India and less competitive.

Due to British officials' refusal to issue visas to Indian employees, trade negotiations have encountered obstacles in the past year.

The UK has been eager to persuade India to let more UK companies and service industries establish operations there.

The British Chambers of Commerce's William Bain, head of trade strategy, claimed that this would be a “big win” for British companies, particularly those offering travel, business, or financial services.

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Trade negotiations between the UK and India are reportedly in its “final but trickier” stages, the BBC reported. This week, G20 trade ministers are expected to gather in India under the leadership of Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch.

Trade negotiations between the UK and India are reportedly in its “final but trickier” stages, the BBC reported. This week, G20 trade ministers are expected to gather in India under the leadership of Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch. Whether a trade agreement will be reached before Rishi Sunak’s travel to India in September has been the subject of rumours. However, the BBC has been informed that the UK government does not anticipate that a complete deal will be reached by then. The BBC report nevertheless highlights that there are still some “big nuts to crack” before an agreement could potentially be reached in the coming “months.” The government has long viewed a trade agreement with India as one of the most advantageous bilateral agreements the UK could make after Brexit. Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson had pledged last year that an agreement would be “done” by Diwali in 2022, but that target was missed. The UK is eager to reach a deal that might lower import duties on UK exports like cars and whisky, which are currently subject to triple-figure import charges in India. Because of these levies, UK goods are less affordable in India and less competitive. Due to British officials' refusal to issue visas to Indian employees, trade negotiations have encountered obstacles in the past year. The UK has been eager to persuade India to let more UK companies and service industries establish operations there. The British Chambers of Commerce's William Bain, head of trade strategy, claimed that this would be a “big win” for British companies, particularly those offering travel, business, or financial services. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

UK-India trade deal negotiations in their “final, trickier” stage: Report  

The negotiations for an ambitious Free Trade Agreement between Britain and India are "well advanced", United Kingdom's Foreign Office Minister for South Asia, Lord Tariq Ahmed said in a parliamentary debate in London's House of Lords. Ahmed added that the next round of FTA talks between New Delhi and London will commence very soon, with his fellow parliamentarians raising India's ambitious economic profile and New Delhi's G20 presidency as determinant factors to ensure an FTA deal.&nbsp;

Successive governments led by various Prime Ministers in Britain have asserted in the past that India being one of the world’s biggest economies is central to Britain's foreign policy.

"It is true that, as we set up and strengthen this relationship, the United Kingdom’s relationship with India is central to U.K. foreign policy,"&nbsp;Ahmad asserted in the House of Lords, repeating Britain's stance on elevated New Delhi-London ties.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-dispatch-uk-india-hold-sixth-round-of-free-trade-agreement-talks-542415">WION Dispatch: UK, India hold sixth round of free trade agreement talks</a>

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"As one of the world’s biggest and fastest-growing economies, India is a key partner to the UK. We are also looking at lowering non-tariff barriers on medical devices to benefit British exporters, and are well advanced in our negotiations for an ambitious and balanced free trade agreement,"&nbsp;he said.

Ahmad was responding to the debate entitled 'The Importance of the Relationship Between the United Kingdom and India' in the House of Lords on Thursday, tabled by British Indian peer Baroness Sandy Verma.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/britains-sunak-tells-pm-modi-that-excited-about-what-our-two-great-democracies-can-achieve-528949">'Excited about what our two great democracies can achieve', Rishi Sunak tells PM Modi</a>

A strong trade deal with India could boost the U.K. economy by billions of pounds over the long term, helping families across the country, he said.

"Cutting red tape and high tariffs could also make it easier and cheaper for UK&nbsp;companies to sell in India, driving growth and supporting jobs,” he added.

Six rounds of FTA talks done so far

The minister said that so far India and the UK have completed six rounds of talks. In a statement of assurance, he said that as a mark of mutual agreement between New Delhi and London, the two sides are assuring that the FTA deal is not rushed but properly thought through.&nbsp;

"I assure them that we are working those through specifically, but it was very much by mutual agreement to ensure that the trade deal signed is not rushed but properly thought through, and that all chapters are discussed in an exhaustive manner so that we reach a deal that is of mutual benefit to both countries and their peoples,” the Minister said.

According to official UK&nbsp;government data, India-U.K. bilateral trade currently stands at around 29.6 billion pounds a year (36.67 billion dollars).&nbsp;

UK-India FTA talks: From Johnson to Sunak via Truss

London and New Delhi formally launched Free Trade Agreement talks in January 2022, when Prime Minister Boris Johnson was at the helm of affairs. The talks began after years of backchannel negotiations between the two sides, The Times reported.&nbsp;

Johnson set Diwali as the deadline for a Free Trade Agreement with India. The initial deadline could not be honoured for unspecified reasons amid political uncertainty with frequent changes in the 10, Downing Street officeholders.&nbsp;

The current Prime Minister Rishi Sunak committed to working "at pace" towards an FTA that does not “sacrifice quality for speed” after the Diwali deadline was missed.&nbsp;

Lord Karan Bilimoria spoke of the need for large prime ministerial delegations to India and called on Prime Minister Sunak to lead one “as soon as possible”.

"Today India has the presidency of the G20. Today India has a vision to become, in the next 25 years, the second-largest economy in the world with a GDP of $32 billion," he said.

"The Indian express has left the station. It is now the fastest train in the world—the fastest-growing major economy in the world. The UK must be its closest and most trusted friend and partner in the decades ahead," he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The negotiations for an ambitious Free Trade Agreement between Britain and India are "well advanced", United Kingdom's Foreign Office Minister for South Asia, Lord Tariq Ahmed said in a parliamentary debate in London's House of Lords.

The negotiations for an ambitious Free Trade Agreement between Britain and India are "well advanced", United Kingdom's Foreign Office Minister for South Asia, Lord Tariq Ahmed said in a parliamentary debate in London's House of Lords. Ahmed added that the next round of FTA talks between New Delhi and London will commence very soon, with his fellow parliamentarians raising India's ambitious economic profile and New Delhi's G20 presidency as determinant factors to ensure an FTA deal. Successive governments led by various Prime Ministers in Britain have asserted in the past that India being one of the world’s biggest economies is central to Britain's foreign policy. "It is true that, as we set up and strengthen this relationship, the United Kingdom’s relationship with India is central to U.K. foreign policy," Ahmad asserted in the House of Lords, repeating Britain's stance on elevated New Delhi-London ties. ALSO WATCH | WION Dispatch: UK, India hold sixth round of free trade agreement talks × "As one of the world’s biggest and fastest-growing economies, India is a key partner to the UK. We are also looking at lowering non-tariff barriers on medical devices to benefit British exporters, and are well advanced in our negotiations for an ambitious and balanced free trade agreement," he said. Ahmad was responding to the debate entitled 'The Importance of the Relationship Between the United Kingdom and India' in the House of Lords on Thursday, tabled by British Indian peer Baroness Sandy Verma. ALSO READ | 'Excited about what our two great democracies can achieve', Rishi Sunak tells PM Modi A strong trade deal with India could boost the U.K. economy by billions of pounds over the long term, helping families across the country, he said. "Cutting red tape and high tariffs could also make it easier and cheaper for UK companies to sell in India, driving growth and supporting jobs,” he added. Six rounds of FTA talks done so far The minister said that so far India and the UK have completed six rounds of talks. In a statement of assurance, he said that as a mark of mutual agreement between New Delhi and London, the two sides are assuring that the FTA deal is not rushed but properly thought through. "I assure them that we are working those through specifically, but it was very much by mutual agreement to ensure that the trade deal signed is not rushed but properly thought through, and that all chapters are discussed in an exhaustive manner so that we reach a deal that is of mutual benefit to both countries and their peoples,” the Minister said. According to official UK government data, India-U.K. bilateral trade currently stands at around 29.6 billion pounds a year (36.67 billion dollars). UK-India FTA talks: From Johnson to Sunak via Truss London and New Delhi formally launched Free Trade Agreement talks in January 2022, when Prime Minister Boris Johnson was at the helm of affairs. The talks began after years of backchannel negotiations between the two sides, The Times reported. Johnson set Diwali as the deadline for a Free Trade Agreement with India. The initial deadline could not be honoured for unspecified reasons amid political uncertainty with frequent changes in the 10, Downing Street officeholders. The current Prime Minister Rishi Sunak committed to working "at pace" towards an FTA that does not “sacrifice quality for speed” after the Diwali deadline was missed. Lord Karan Bilimoria spoke of the need for large prime ministerial delegations to India and called on Prime Minister Sunak to lead one “as soon as possible”. "Today India has the presidency of the G20. Today India has a vision to become, in the next 25 years, the second-largest economy in the world with a GDP of $32 billion," he said. "The Indian express has left the station. It is now the fastest train in the world—the fastest-growing major economy in the world. The UK must be its closest and most trusted friend and partner in the decades ahead," he added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

UK says FTA talks with India ‘well advanced’, seventh round soon

Did Lord Mountbatten, the last viceroy of India, influence the India-Pakistan partition?

The allegation was raised by a British author before a tribunal in London which is hearing a case against the UK government whether to fully disclose the remaining confidential diaries and correspondence of Lord and Lady Mountbatten, according to media reports.

Clara Hamer, representing British author Andrew Lownie, who is seeking full disclosure of the confidential papers, told the First-Tier Tribunal (Information Rights) that Mountbatten’s diary revealed that he met British judge Sir Cyril Radcliffe, who headed the Boundary Commission to demarcate the India-Pakistan border, and Christopher Beaumont, its secretary, on July 12, 1947.

They wanted to know whether that particular information, which might hint at Mountbatten’s role in the partition, was deliberately redacted by the British government when the author sought the release of documents citing the Freedom of Information clause.

They further alleged that the UK government opted to withhold that information as it might jeopardise their relationship with India.

Hamer also questioned why Mountbatten’s diary entry from August 6, 1947 — one week before the Independence — has also been redacted.

The confidential Mountbatten dairies are currently placed at the University of Southampton’s archival section named Broadlands Archive.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uk-is-paying-800000-to-hide-mountbatten-diaries-but-why-429971">UK is paying $800,000 to hide Mountbatten diaries, but why?</a>

In 2011, the university purchased the diaries from the Mountbatten family, using public funds of over 2.8 million pounds and with the intention of making the papers widely available.

However, the university then referred some of the correspondence to the Cabinet Office.

In 2019, the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) had found in favour of Lownie and ordered the release of the entire Broadlands Archive - which also includes “letters from Lady Mountbatten to Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of the newly independent India (33 files, 1948-60), along with copies of his letters to her.”

The University of Southampton had explained in response at the time that the correspondence between Lady Mountbatten and Nehru remained in private ownership and is "confidential but the University has a future interest in it".

That decision of the ICO has since been appealed, which is now being heard in the First-Tier Tribunal this week.

(With inputs from agencies)

Did Lord Mountbatten, the last viceroy of India, influence the India-Pakistan partition? The allegation was raised by a British author before a tribunal in London which is hearing a case against the UK government whether to fully disclose the remaining confidential diaries and correspondence of Lord and Lady Mountbatten, according to media reports.

Did Lord Mountbatten, the last viceroy of India, influence the India-Pakistan partition? The allegation was raised by a British author before a tribunal in London which is hearing a case against the UK government whether to fully disclose the remaining confidential diaries and correspondence of Lord and Lady Mountbatten, according to media reports. Clara Hamer, representing British author Andrew Lownie, who is seeking full disclosure of the confidential papers, told the First-Tier Tribunal (Information Rights) that Mountbatten’s diary revealed that he met British judge Sir Cyril Radcliffe, who headed the Boundary Commission to demarcate the India-Pakistan border, and Christopher Beaumont, its secretary, on July 12, 1947. They wanted to know whether that particular information, which might hint at Mountbatten’s role in the partition, was deliberately redacted by the British government when the author sought the release of documents citing the Freedom of Information clause. They further alleged that the UK government opted to withhold that information as it might jeopardise their relationship with India. Hamer also questioned why Mountbatten’s diary entry from August 6, 1947 — one week before the Independence — has also been redacted. The confidential Mountbatten dairies are currently placed at the University of Southampton’s archival section named Broadlands Archive. Also read | UK is paying $800,000 to hide Mountbatten diaries, but why? In 2011, the university purchased the diaries from the Mountbatten family, using public funds of over 2.8 million pounds and with the intention of making the papers widely available. However, the university then referred some of the correspondence to the Cabinet Office. In 2019, the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) had found in favour of Lownie and ordered the release of the entire Broadlands Archive - which also includes “letters from Lady Mountbatten to Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of the newly independent India (33 files, 1948-60), along with copies of his letters to her.” The University of Southampton had explained in response at the time that the correspondence between Lady Mountbatten and Nehru remained in private ownership and is "confidential but the University has a future interest in it". That decision of the ICO has since been appealed, which is now being heard in the First-Tier Tribunal this week. (With inputs from agencies)

Allegations over Mountbatten’s role in India-Pakistan partition raised in London tribunal

What is the cost of keeping a secret? The UK government is paying 600,000 pounds (around $800,000) for the same purpose.

The secret: Diaries of Lord Mountbatten and his wife Lady Mountbatten, and some correspondence between the two.

The UK government is trying to bury these papers, especially from the Partition years,&nbsp;and paying that amount in a court battle against British author Andrew Lownie, out of fear that it could damage the reputation of the British royal family, and jeopardise the relationships between UK, Pakistan and India.

Mountbatten was the great-grandson of Queen Victoria. He was a royalist and like every proud royalist, he went on to serve the Royal Navy.

He commanded the Navy during World War II and held various positions in the British Raj. He also became the last viceroy of India.

It was&nbsp;in Delhi in 1922 that Mountbatten met a young woman, Edwina. They then decided to get married, which allegedly had many ups and downs.

It was claimed that the two had affair with other people.

The Mountbatten couple’s marriage was no secret by the way. So, what is that the British government is trying to hide?

One of Lady Mountbatten’s close friends was Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first prime minister.

In one of her letters to Nehru, to which WION has access, it was written, “I hate to see you driving away this morning. You left me with a strange sense of peace. Perhaps, I have brought you the same?”

“Life is a dreary business,” replied Nehru.

The Mountbatten papers are a treasure trove. There is history and reportedly a lot of scandals.

Watch |&nbsp;Why is UK hiding the Mountbatten papers?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-why-is-uk-hiding-the-mountbatten-papers-429870/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

So, a few years back, when Lownie asked for unrestricted access to these papers, the government refused to oblige him.

But Lownie didn’t take no for an answer. He cited British’s Freedom of Information law and forced the government to release the Mountbatten papers, at least 99.8 per cent of them, while refusing to&nbsp;disclose the rest of them.

The unreleased papers reportedly document the years from 1947 and 1948, including the diaries of Lord and Lady Mountbatten and some correspondence between the two.

This couple had the habit of putting unfiltered thoughts to paper. Both maintained diaries, both poured their hearts out in letters.

This is what Lord Mountbatten wrote to his wife in 1942:&nbsp;“Edwina darlingest, I feel terribly having had to desert you twice during the most trying week of life. I am afraid, as I once told you before, you shouldn’t have married a sailor. I am not particularly fond of saying nice things and I can’t hope to compete with most of your other admirers. But this I felt that I must say that I thought you were really grand and very sweet &amp; lovable.”

Mountbatten had overseen India’s partition. His diaries could reveal details that Britain is not comfortable sharing. They may have Mountbatten’s view of Nehru, Mohammed Ali Jinnah, Mahatma Gandhi and Sir Cyril Radcliffe, the man who drew the boundary between India and Pakistan.

Mountbatten, a very influential member of the Royal family, was a maternal uncle of Duke of Edinburgh Prince Philip.

He was like a father figure to the Prince of Wales, Prince Charles, the two were very close. Mountbatten is believed to have played a very big role in Prince Charles’ personal life, be it his affair with the then-girlfriend Camila Parker Bowles or his marriage with Diana.

The Royal Family lovingly called Mountbatten “Uncle Dicky”. They knew about his habit of maintaining a dairy. They too had their documents.

But who in the family would have thought that Uncle Dicky’s diary would once day start draining public coffers? So far, the UK govt has spent $800,000 in protecting them, trying to hide Mountbatten’s thoughts from the world.

Right now, a trial is underway in London which will determine whether all of the private diaries and letters of the should be released to the public despite concerns by the UK cabinet office.

What is the cost of keeping a secret? The UK government is paying 600,000 pounds (around $800,000) for the same purpose. The secret: Diaries of Lord Mountbatten and his wife Lady Mountbatten, and some correspondence between the two.

What is the cost of keeping a secret? The UK government is paying 600,000 pounds (around $800,000) for the same purpose. The secret: Diaries of Lord Mountbatten and his wife Lady Mountbatten, and some correspondence between the two. The UK government is trying to bury these papers, especially from the Partition years, and paying that amount in a court battle against British author Andrew Lownie, out of fear that it could damage the reputation of the British royal family, and jeopardise the relationships between UK, Pakistan and India. Mountbatten was the great-grandson of Queen Victoria. He was a royalist and like every proud royalist, he went on to serve the Royal Navy. He commanded the Navy during World War II and held various positions in the British Raj. He also became the last viceroy of India. It was in Delhi in 1922 that Mountbatten met a young woman, Edwina. They then decided to get married, which allegedly had many ups and downs. It was claimed that the two had affair with other people. The Mountbatten couple’s marriage was no secret by the way. So, what is that the British government is trying to hide? One of Lady Mountbatten’s close friends was Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first prime minister. In one of her letters to Nehru, to which WION has access, it was written, “I hate to see you driving away this morning. You left me with a strange sense of peace. Perhaps, I have brought you the same?” “Life is a dreary business,” replied Nehru. The Mountbatten papers are a treasure trove. There is history and reportedly a lot of scandals. Watch | Why is UK hiding the Mountbatten papers? So, a few years back, when Lownie asked for unrestricted access to these papers, the government refused to oblige him. But Lownie didn’t take no for an answer. He cited British’s Freedom of Information law and forced the government to release the Mountbatten papers, at least 99.8 per cent of them, while refusing to disclose the rest of them. The unreleased papers reportedly document the years from 1947 and 1948, including the diaries of Lord and Lady Mountbatten and some correspondence between the two. This couple had the habit of putting unfiltered thoughts to paper. Both maintained diaries, both poured their hearts out in letters. This is what Lord Mountbatten wrote to his wife in 1942: “Edwina darlingest, I feel terribly having had to desert you twice during the most trying week of life. I am afraid, as I once told you before, you shouldn’t have married a sailor. I am not particularly fond of saying nice things and I can’t hope to compete with most of your other admirers. But this I felt that I must say that I thought you were really grand and very sweet & lovable.” Mountbatten had overseen India’s partition. His diaries could reveal details that Britain is not comfortable sharing. They may have Mountbatten’s view of Nehru, Mohammed Ali Jinnah, Mahatma Gandhi and Sir Cyril Radcliffe, the man who drew the boundary between India and Pakistan. Mountbatten, a very influential member of the Royal family, was a maternal uncle of Duke of Edinburgh Prince Philip. He was like a father figure to the Prince of Wales, Prince Charles, the two were very close. Mountbatten is believed to have played a very big role in Prince Charles’ personal life, be it his affair with the then-girlfriend Camila Parker Bowles or his marriage with Diana. The Royal Family lovingly called Mountbatten “Uncle Dicky”. They knew about his habit of maintaining a dairy. They too had their documents. But who in the family would have thought that Uncle Dicky’s diary would once day start draining public coffers? So far, the UK govt has spent $800,000 in protecting them, trying to hide Mountbatten’s thoughts from the world. Right now, a trial is underway in London which will determine whether all of the private diaries and letters of the should be released to the public despite concerns by the UK cabinet office.

UK is paying $800,000 to hide Mountbatten diaries, but why?

The European Union is turning from China to India. After suspending a trade deal ratification with Beijing, the EU is now looking to revive stalled trade talks with New Delhi.

Gravitas: EU choses India over China for free trade

President Joe Biden said that the United States is sending a whole series of help that India needs in its battle against COVID-19, reiterating that New Delhi had done the same when his country was in need last year.

World leaders reaffirms commitment to helping India

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, "International cooperation at work! Appreciate the shipment of vital medical supplies from Flag of United Kingdom including 100 ventilators and 95 oxygen concentrators that arrived early this morning."

First batch of vital medical supplies from UK arrives in India

Britain on Monday added India to its COVID-19 travel "red list", which effectively bans all travel from the country and makes a 10-day hotel quarantine compulsory for UK residents arriving back to the country.

UK adds India to COVID-19 travel 'red list' amid new variant cases

The United Kingdom has refused to make any statement over India's Farmers protest, stating 'it's India's domestic issue'. British official Nigel Adams says that 'we are aware of concerns in India and here in the UK about how these reforms might affect farming communities'

UK refuses to speak on farmers protest, says 'Its India's domestic matter'

The UK has invited India to a G7 summit -- to be held in June, the government has said.

Britain, which holds the rotating presidency of the G7 in 2021, has also invited leaders from Australia and South Korea to attend as guest countries.

The government announced the summit will be the first face-to-face meeting of the group since the start of Joe Biden's US presidency.

Outgoing US President Donald Trump was forced to cancel last year's meeting of the G7 -- the world's most advanced economies -- due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Individual leaders have yet to confirm their attendance, but the summit is scheduled to take place on June 11-13 in Carbis Bay, a coastal town in Cornwall, southwest England.

The global response to Covid-19 and climate change are expected to rank high on the agenda at the group's first in-person meeting in nearly two years.

"As the most prominent grouping of democratic countries, the G7 has long been the catalyst for decisive international action to tackle the greatest challenges we face," British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said in a statement.

"Coronavirus is doubtless the most destructive force we have seen for generations," he added, saying it was "only right that we approach the challenge of building back better by uniting with a spirit of openness to create a better future".

Leaders and ministers from the seven nations -- Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States -- have met virtually in recent months.

Johnson's office said he would use the summit to promote a green recovery from the pandemic, encouraging G7 members to unite to "make the future fairer, greener and more prosperous".

Britain also takes over the presidency of the UN Security Council in February, and Johnson has signalled he is seeking to boost the UK's international presence as it embarks on a new path post-Brexit.

The UK has invited India to a G7 summit -- to be held in June, the government has said. Britain, which holds the rotating presidency of the G7 in 2021, has also invited leaders from Australia and South Korea to attend as guest countries.

The UK has invited India to a G7 summit -- to be held in June, the government has said. Britain, which holds the rotating presidency of the G7 in 2021, has also invited leaders from Australia and South Korea to attend as guest countries. The government announced the summit will be the first face-to-face meeting of the group since the start of Joe Biden's US presidency. Outgoing US President Donald Trump was forced to cancel last year's meeting of the G7 -- the world's most advanced economies -- due to the coronavirus pandemic. Individual leaders have yet to confirm their attendance, but the summit is scheduled to take place on June 11-13 in Carbis Bay, a coastal town in Cornwall, southwest England. The global response to Covid-19 and climate change are expected to rank high on the agenda at the group's first in-person meeting in nearly two years. "As the most prominent grouping of democratic countries, the G7 has long been the catalyst for decisive international action to tackle the greatest challenges we face," British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said in a statement. "Coronavirus is doubtless the most destructive force we have seen for generations," he added, saying it was "only right that we approach the challenge of building back better by uniting with a spirit of openness to create a better future". Leaders and ministers from the seven nations -- Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States -- have met virtually in recent months. Johnson's office said he would use the summit to promote a green recovery from the pandemic, encouraging G7 members to unite to "make the future fairer, greener and more prosperous". Britain also takes over the presidency of the UN Security Council in February, and Johnson has signalled he is seeking to boost the UK's international presence as it embarks on a new path post-Brexit.

UK invites India to first G7 summit of Biden era to be held in June

UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab arrives for his official visit to India. India-UK partnership is poised for greater synergy in a post-COVID, post-Brexit context.

WION Dispatch: 'UK, India committed to build strong defence-security ties', says Dominic Raab

British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab on 4-day India visit, hold talks with S Jaishankar

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