India, UK to launch Young Professionals Scheme on February 28: MEA

India and the UK will launch the Young Professionals Scheme next month that will allow degree-holding Indian nationals in the age group 18-30 years to live and work in Britain for up to two years.

The scheme would be launched on February 28, according to a Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) statement issued after the 15th India-UK Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) held here.

Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra led the Indian delegation while the British side was helmed by Philip Barton, Permanent Under-Secretary, Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.

Barton also called on External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.

"Discussed our expanding bilateral relationship, including progress under our Roadmap 2030 and global issues," Jaishankar said on Twitter after meeting Barton.

According to a UK government statement, Barton said, "I am delighted to be here in New Delhi, at the start of 2023, to underline the UK's commitment to the 2030 Roadmap for deepening cooperation with India. Through our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the UK and India are together playing a key role in tackling the biggest challenges facing the world today, including food and energy security, economic recovery post-Covid and preventing future pandemics."
Britain also commended India's priorities as President of G20 this year as it looked forward to its participation. ?