External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met United Kingdom Prime Minister Andy Burnham on Wednesday (local time) at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2026 in Antigua and Barbuda. The two leaders discussed ways to strengthen India-UK economic ties in the context of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).

In a post on X, Jaishankar said he conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's warm wishes to his British counterpart during the meeting.

“Pleased to meet PM @andyburnham of the United Kingdom on the sidelines of #CHOGM2026. Conveyed PM @narendramodi’s warm wishes. Discussed strengthening our economic partnership in the context of CETA, as well as the global landscape,” he said.

In a separate post, Jaishankar highlighted the need to strengthen trade and business cooperation among Commonwealth nations while addressing the Commonwealth Heads of Government and Business Leaders Breakfast Meeting at the Retreat.

He urged Commonwealth partners to reduce economic risks and diversify their trade engagements. He stressed the importance of shorter, reliable supply chains and better connectivity corridors to support businesses. He also called for stronger local distribution networks, training programmes and capacity building.

Jaishankar described the Indian business community spread across the world as an important asset for the Commonwealth. He also highlighted the role of technology, saying digital solutions could improve efficiency, governance and economic growth.

On climate action, he called for greater cooperation through initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure. Drawing attention to India's experience in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR), he stressed the need to establish local hubs and improve the mobility of skills among Commonwealth partners.

Earlier, on November 4, Jaishankar represented India at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Executive Session. During the session, he highlighted India's digital public infrastructure model and its recent free trade agreements.

The CHOGM 2026 is being held in St John's, Antigua and Barbuda, under the theme, “Accelerating Partnerships and Investment for a Prosperous Commonwealth”.