Editor’s Note: This piece is brought to you byAamnah Fatima Khan, a recent graduate in Defense and Diplomatic Studies from Fatima Jinnah Women University. She currently works with the Human Rights Research Center (HRRC), focusing on critical issues of human rights violations.
Britain and India Deepen Ties with Counter-Terrorism Talks and Landmark Trade Deal
Britain and India have agreed to strengthen their counter-terrorism collaboration and celebrate a milestone free trade agreement during renewed tensions in South Asia. During a high-level visit to New Delhi, British Foreign Minister David Lammy addressed increasing collaborative efforts to tackle terrorism with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar in response to a recent flare-up between India and Pakistan.
The negotiations followed horrible violence in Indian-administered Kashmir in April, in which 26 people were killed. India accused of carrying out the attack on Pakistani-backed terrorists, which Islamabad rejected. In response, India targeted alleged “terrorist infrastructure” in Pakistan, causing military escalation until a cease-fire was agreed on May 10. Lammy reaffirmed Britain’s commitment to sustaining regional stability and expanding collaborative counter-terrorism efforts, but no specifics were disclosed.
Last year, the two countries addressed combating terrorism financing, improving law enforcement collaboration, and sharing intelligence. These conversations created the framework for further security cooperation.
Along with security cooperation, the two nations celebrated the signing of a long-awaited free trade agreement (FTA), which was completed in May after discussions started in February. Lammy announced that Prime Minister Keir Starmer will visit India shortly to formally sign the agreement. Jaishankar described the FTA as a “truly historic milestone” that will strengthen trade, investment, and strategic ties.
The deal includes tariff reductions on UK exports, such as whisky and medical devices, as well as on Indian goods, including garments and seafood. It is anticipated to increase bilateral commerce by £25.5 billion and support over 600,000 jobs in both nations. This deal is seen as a critical step in Britain’s post-Brexit trade strategy.
Pakistan-UK Engagement Highlights Railway Cooperation and Kashmir Diplomacy Amid Regional Tensions
Pakistan and the United Kingdom are expanding their bilateral relations via economic and strategic collaboration, notably in the railway sector. In a recent meeting in Islamabad, Pakistan’s Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi and British High Commissioner Jane Marriott explored the possibility of UK assistance in modernizing Pakistan’s old railway infrastructure. Given the UK’s excellent railway infrastructure, Abbasi emphasized the importance of leveraging British expertise to enhance Pakistan’s transportation efficiency and safety. Both countries emphasised their commitment to collaborating on joint railway projects that will benefit both economies and enhance public services. Pakistan also encourages international investment in its rail sector by providing a business-friendly environment.
Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts increased in London when Pakistan’s delegation, led by Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, met with British officials and Kashmiri leaders. This move follows the recent military stalemate between India and Pakistan, which concluded on May 10 with a cease-fire negotiated by the United States. The Pakistani delegation encouraged the UK to take a more active role in defusing tensions, renewing the suspended Indus Waters Treaty, and most importantly, settling the Kashmir problem through UN resolutions. Bhutto Zardari opposed India’s unilateral acts, such as treaty breaches and the 2019 removal of Kashmir’s special status.
This outreach is part of competing diplomatic campaigns by Pakistan and India to influence international opinion ahead of an upcoming UN session on South Asia. India argues Kashmir is a domestic issue, while Pakistan seeks to internationalize the matter, warning of humanitarian and environmental crises, particularly related to water security.
The UK’s historical role in South Asia and its influence as a permanent member of the UN Security Council place it in a unique position to mediate regional disputes. Strengthening economic ties with Pakistan, especially in infrastructure, aligns with the UK’s post-Brexit foreign policy goals of expanding global trade and promoting stability in key regions through soft power diplomacy and strategic investment.
UK Freezes Assets of Former Bangladeshi Minister under PM Hasina
The UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) has taken significant action against corruption by freezing £170-185 million worth of properties linked to Saifuzzaman Chowdhury, Bangladesh’s former land minister under Sheikh Hasina. These properties, scattered across the UK, include luxury homes and apartment blocks acquired through alleged corrupt practices. This move follows a request from Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, who is determined to recover billions of dollars embezzled during Hasina’s regime.
This development reflects the UK’s commitment to combating corruption and recovering stolen assets, a key aspect of its foreign policy. By assisting Bangladesh’s interim administration in its attempts to locate and recover embezzled funds, the United Kingdom demonstrates its commitment to regional stability and good governance. The UK’s actions may potentially have an impact on its reputation as a safe haven for illegal funds. By taking immediate steps to freeze and perhaps recover stolen assets, the UK can demonstrate its commitment to transparency and accountability, which is critical for retaining its credibility globally.
This action may have an impact on the UK’s relationship with Bangladesh’s former administration, but it may also improve ties with the current interim government. Muhammad Yunus’ visit to the United Kingdom and talks with high-level officials, including King Charles III and the National Security Adviser, highlight the significance of this collaboration. The United Kingdom’s assistance for Bangladesh’s anti-corruption initiatives is consistent with its larger foreign policy objectives of encouraging good governance and the rule of law across the world. This cooperation may result in a stronger, more transparent partnership between the two countries in the future.