Britain and India have initiated discussions to strengthen their cooperation on counter-terrorism efforts, following the recent ceasefire between India and Pakistan that ended their most intense border clashes in nearly 30 years. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, who met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, emphasized the importance of safeguarding peace in the region.

Lammy’s visit marks him as the most senior Western official to engage both New Delhi and Islamabad since the May 10 ceasefire, which was brokered after a surge in hostilities triggered by the April killing of 26 individuals in Kashmir. India attributed the attack to militants allegedly supported by Pakistan—an allegation Pakistan firmly rejected. India responded by targeting what it identified as terrorist bases across the border, escalating tensions until the truce was reached.

"We support the current peace, but we recognize its fragility—especially given the persistent threat of terrorism aimed at destabilizing India," Lammy said during an interview at the British High Commission in New Delhi. "Our goal is to build on our partnership with India in counter-terrorism strategies."

Though Lammy refrained from detailing specific initiatives, he confirmed that the topic was addressed in his meetings with both Prime Minister Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. The dialogue continues efforts launched last year between the two nations, which included discussions on tackling terror financing, judicial and police cooperation, and intelligence sharing.

Trade and Diplomacy on the Agenda

Beyond security, Lammy also highlighted the growing economic ties between the UK and India—the fifth and sixth largest economies in the world, respectively. The two countries finalized negotiations for a bilateral free trade agreement in early May, signaling a major step forward in their economic relationship.

Lammy conveyed Prime Minister Keir Starmer's eagerness to visit India in the near future to formalize the deal. "There is tremendous potential in our partnership. Our nations have many opportunities ahead to collaborate further—on trade, innovation, and global challenges," he said.

As regional tensions simmer, both India and the UK appear committed to not only preserving peace but also deepening their strategic and economic alliance in the months ahead.