CBI Inks MoU With UK’s National Crime Agency To Enhance Collaboration
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in Aylesbury to bolster cooperation in tackling organised crime, corruption, and financial offences on Wednesday—the same day India and the UK finalised a long-awaited Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
The MoU aims to improve coordination and the sharing of intelligence between the two investigative bodies.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, while announcing the signing of the MoU, stated that the objective of the pact is to address and counter corruption more effectively.
“A memorandum of understanding was signed between India’s Central Bureau of Investigation and the UK’s National Crime Agency. Both leaders also expressed great satisfaction at the growing cooperation in emerging and cutting-edge technologies between the two nations,” he said.
The agreement was signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official talks with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in Aylesbury, where both leaders were joined by a high-level delegation.
Foreign Secretary Misri added that the adoption of the India–UK Vision 2035 document demonstrates a mutual resolve to inject “greater ambition and renewed energy” into the strategic partnership. He explained that the document would chart the course for bilateral relations over the next ten years through a structured programme spanning core areas such as economic development, innovation, defence, climate initiatives, and cultural exchanges.
Misri also emphasised the importance of the Defence Industrial Roadmap, calling it a significant advancement that would create “vast opportunities for collaboration” between defence manufacturers on both sides.
Addressing a joint media briefing following the trade agreement’s signing, Prime Minister Modi strongly warned against the abuse of democratic rights by extremist elements. “We are in agreement that forces representing extreme ideologies must not exploit democratic liberties. Those who weaponise democratic freedom to destabilise democracy must be brought to justice,” Modi declared.
He also extended gratitude to the UK administration for condemning the recent terrorist incident in Pahalgam. “We appreciate the Prime Minister and his government for their unequivocal denouncement of the Pahalgam attack,” he said.
The India–UK FTA, hailed as a milestone agreement, is projected to boost bilateral trade in goods and services, increase mutual investments, and pave the way for joint efforts in key sectors like defence, advanced technologies, and sustainable energy.
