CBI Signs MoU With UK’s National Crime Agency To Boost Cooperation

Last Updated:July 24, 2025, 19:43 IST

The CBI and UK's NCA signed an MoU in Aylesbury to combat crime, coinciding with India and UK's FTA signing.

Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Prime Minister Narendra Modi speak during a press conference after signing a free trade agreement at Chequers near Aylesbury, England. (IMAGE: REUTERS)

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the UK’s Crime Agency (NCA) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in Aylesbury to strengthen cooperation on combating organised crime, corruption and economic offences on Wednesday, the same day India and the United Kingdom signed a long-awaited Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

The MoU is aimed at improving information-sharing and coordination between the two agencies.

“We shared our thoughts and views and we noted they are increasingly active and continue to threaten the safety and security of our Diplomats and leaders. We have engaged at several levels with our UK counterparts. We have received cooperation. During this visit also we have received cooperation from our UK Counterparts," Vikram Misri, the foreign secretary, said while announcing the signing of the MoU.

“A memorandum of understanding was signed between the Central Bureau of Investigation of India and the UK Crime Agency. Both leaders also expressed great happiness at the increasing collaboration in new and emerging technologies between the two countries," he further added.

The agreement came as Prime Minister Narendra Modi met UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer for formal talks in Aylesbury, accompanied by a high-level delegation that included Security Adviser Ajit Doval.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said the adoption of the India-UK Vision 2035 document reflects a shared commitment to infuse “higher ambition and renewed momentum" into the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries. He said the document would guide bilateral ties over the next decade through a time-bound programme of cooperation across key pillars such as economic growth, technology, defence, climate action, and people-to-people ties. Misri also highlighted the Defence Industrial Roadmap as a major step forward, saying it would open up “enormous opportunities for joint collaboration" between the defence industries of both sides.

Speaking at a joint press conference after the trade deal was signed, PM Modi issued a sharp warning against the misuse of democratic freedoms by extremist forces. “We agree forces of extremist ideologies cannot be allowed to misuse democratic freedom. Those who misuse democratic freedom to undermine democracy itself must be held accountable," he said.

Modi also thanked the UK government for its strong condemnation of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, saying, “We thank the Prime Minister and his government for their strong condemnation of Pahalgam."

The India-UK FTA, described as a landmark step, is expected to expand trade in goods and services, increase investment flows and open up new areas of cooperation in sectors such as defence, technology, and green energy.

Aylesbury, England

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