What’s in the news?

• India and the United Kingdom held their inaugural ‘2+2’ foreign and defence dialogue recently, looking to ramp up defence, security and trade ties. 
• The two sides are currently also engaged in discussions to iron out the remaining differences over a free trade agreement that they hope to finalise soon.
• Reaffirming mutual com­mitment to maritime freedom, India and the U.K. discussed the situation in the Indo-­Pacific region. 
• The two sides also discussed possibilities for further collaboration in trade and investment, defence, critical and emerging technologies, civil aviation, health, energy, and strengthening peoples connect.