UK Foreign Secretary to Visit China and India for Talks on Global Issues

UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper will begin a high-stakes diplomatic visit to China and India this week as Britain seeks closer engagement with two of the world’s largest economies amid rising geopolitical tensions, global economic uncertainty, and growing security challenges.

Cooper will arrive in Beijing on June 2 for talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Vice-President Han Zheng , before travelling to the technology hub of Shenzhen for meetings focused on science, innovation, investment, and business cooperation. She is also expected to participate in the 11th China-UK Strategic Dialogue , a key platform for bilateral discussions.

The China visit comes months after Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s landmark trip to Beijing, the first by a British premier in eight years, during which London and Beijing agreed to pursue a “reset” in relations and expand cooperation in trade, technology, and investment.

Cooper will then travel to New Delhi on June 4 for talks with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and interactions with entrepreneurs, academics, and policymakers involved in the UK-India Vision 2035 partnership. Discussions are expected to cover the Strait of Hormuz crisis, the Russia-Ukraine war, the Ebola outbreak in Africa, energy security, and economic resilience.

The visit comes nearly a year after India and the UK concluded their Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement. However, implementation has encountered friction over Britain’s proposed steel import restrictions, which Indian officials have flagged as a concern.

According to the latest India Meets Britain Tracker, bilateral trade reached 47.4 billion pounds in 2025, up 11.7 per cent year-on-year. The agreement is expected to further boost trade and investment once fully implemented.

Analysts view Cooper’s tour as part of Britain’s broader strategy to strengthen its presence in Asia while navigating global conflicts, volatile energy markets, and slowing economic growth.