British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi have agreed on a call on Tuesday to try to deepen cooperation in areas such as education, health, science and defence. Both countries have also signed an aspiring new migration partnership, which will benefit both of them as it allows young Indian and British professionals to live and work in one another’s countries, thereby boosting work visas for Indian nationals and enhancing migration cooperation between the two nations.
During this virtual meeting, the two prime ministers agreed on a ‘2030 Roadmap’ which will seek to deepen ties, particularly through universities on research areas.
In a U.K. statement following the call, Johnson said “The agreements we have made today mark the beginning of a new era in the UK-India relationship.”
“The UK Government is committed to deliver an immigration system that offers clear opportunities to the brightest and best talent from India and around the world to come to the UK to study, work and live. This ground-breaking new partnership with India is an important milestone in delivering on that commitment,” said Home Secretary Priti Patel.
The agreement incorporate special Young Professionals scheme that allow thousands of young Indian and British professionals to work and live in each other’s country for two years. The new deal builds on the previous announcement of new post-study Graduate Route (opening on 1 July 2021) made by the UK Government.
“Indian student numbers to the UK are growing fast, and nearly half of all UK skilled work visas go to Indian professionals – contributing significantly to shared prosperity and mutual understanding. I’m confident the new the post-study Graduate Route and Young Professionals scheme will significantly increase those numbers,” said British High Commissioner to India, Alex Ellis.
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