India- UK Commonwealth Diplomatic Academy programme

June 29, 2022

India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his counterpart from UK Liz Truss have announced plans to initiate a joint “India-UK Commonwealth Diplomatic Academy programme”.

Highlights

This plan was announced after their meet at Rwanda.
India-UK Commonwealth Diplomatic Academy Programme will be started to train young and aspiring diplomats from both the countries.
Under the programme, Graduates will play a significant role in delivering rejuvenated Commonwealth, which will be united in support of self-determination.

Why was this programme announced?

The new Commonwealth Diplomatic Academy Programme was announced, because in increasingly geopolitical world, countries need to champion Commonwealth values of democracy and sovereignty. The UK and India are helping in building a modern Commonwealth fitting the 21^st century. The new Commonwealth Diplomatic Academy programme will equip young diplomats with expertise and training which they require to tackle the global challenges.

Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting

Leaders recently met at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Kigali. During the meeting they issued a joint statement to highlight the significance of “strong and revitalised Commonwealth family”, and delivering benefits for all the members. They announced to host India-UK Commonwealth Diplomatic Academy Programme in New Delhi.

Recent Developments in India-UK relations

Relations between India and UK has been on upward trajectory, amid the challenge posed by Ukraine crisis. It can be exemplified by conclusion of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2021. This agreement had also established a 2030 Roadmap for the bilateral relations. Recently both the countries decided to work on defence-related trade and deepening cyber security and defence cooperation. Countries are also scheduled to launch a new joint Cyber Security Programme, for protecting online infrastructure in both the countries. Countries have agreed to strengthen cooperation in maritime domain, as UK has decided to join India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative. In January 2022, countries concluded the first round of talks for “India–UK Free Trade Agreement”.

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