Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday called for decisive global efforts to combat terrorism and those who enable it, during a meeting with visiting UK foreign secretary David Lammy. The talks took place amid strong British condemnation of the recent Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir.According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, Lammy “strongly condemned” the attack and expressed the UK’s firm support for India’s fight against cross-border terrorism. PM Modi, in turn, underlined the need for the international community to act firmly and collectively.“The UK Foreign Secretary strongly condemned the Pahalgam terror attack and expressed support for India’s fight against cross-border terrorism,” the statement read. “PM Modi underscored the need for decisive international action against terrorism and those who support it.”The two leaders also welcomed the successful conclusion of the long-pending India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and the double taxation avoidance convention. PM Modi appreciated the “constructive engagement” from both sides in reaching the milestone.Lammy said the UK was keen to deepen cooperation across key sectors such as defence, security, trade, clean energy, technology and innovation. PM Modi also noted the growing strength of the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and praised the ongoing collaboration under the technology security initiative, calling it a step toward building “trusted and secure innovation ecosystems”.Lammy’s visit comes at a time of heightened diplomatic outreach between New Delhi and London. During his two-day stay, he also held wide-ranging talks with external affairs minister S Jaishankar.The EAM also highlighted India’s zero-tolerance policy on terrorism and urged global partners to recognise the clear divide between perpetrators and victims.“India expects its partners to understand that we will never countenance the perpetrators of evil being equated with those they target,” Jaishankar said.Lammy’s visit is aimed at reviewing key areas of the strategic partnership and building momentum for deeper cooperation in the post-Brexit and post-FTA landscape.PM Modi also extended his warm greetings to UK prime minister Sir Keir Starmer and renewed the invitation for him to visit India at the earliest mutual convenience.
