India signed a social security agreement with the UK and Northern Ireland, while also reviewing bilateral ties with China during a high-level strategic dialogue.

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• India and the United Kingdom, along with Northern Ireland, signed an agreement to regulate social security contributions for employees working temporarily in each other’s territories.

• The agreement was signed in New Delhi by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and British High Commissioner to India, Lindy Cameron.

• The pact aims to prevent double social security contributions for employees posted on short-term assignments for up to 36 months.

• The arrangement ensures continued social security coverage and facilitates smoother mobility for professionals undertaking overseas temporary work assignments.

• The agreement is part of India’s broader trade deal with the United Kingdom and will take effect alongside the Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement.

• Separately, Mr. Misri held the India-China Strategic Dialogue with China’s Executive Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu during the BRICS Sherpa Meeting in India.

• Both sides reviewed improving bilateral relations, discussed enhancing people-to-people exchanges, and exchanged views on regional, global, and multilateral developments.