India
‘Launchpad for Business’: Starmer Highlights India Trade Deal as Gateway to Growth: At the invitation of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Right Honourable Sir Keir Starmer MP, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, paid his first official visit to India on October 8–9, 2025. During this historic visit, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to an ambitious vision for India–UK collaboration built on trade, technology, defence, and shared democratic values.
Sir Keir Starmer hailed the India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) as a “launchpad” for stronger bilateral ties, calling it “huge for the UK and the most ambitious trade deal India has ever done.”
Speaking at a joint press conference in Mumbai, Starmer said,
“This trade deal is a launchpad to boost British leadership in everything from tech, to life sciences, to renewable energy and much more beyond that. The opportunity is clear—just look at the sheer scale of India, the world’s largest democracy on track to become the third-largest economy by 2028.”
The visit follows Prime Minister Modi’s successful trip to the UK in July 2025, when both sides signed the landmark CETA and adopted the India–UK Vision 2035 and Defence Industrial Roadmap, setting the tone for a new era of cooperation between the two nations.
Expanding Trade and Business Opportunities
Prime Minister Starmer’s delegation—the largest ever from the UK, with over 125 CEOs, entrepreneurs, university vice-chancellors, and cultural leaders—underscored the growing business synergy between both countries.
Both leaders addressed the Global Fintech Fest in Mumbai, where they emphasized their commitment to inclusive economic growth and sustainable development. They also expressed optimism for the swift ratification of CETA, paving the way for a future of mutual prosperity.
The two Prime Ministers welcomed the resetting of the Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO), aimed at deepening trade governance and maximizing the potential of CETA. Discussions also focused on boosting investments in clean energy, infrastructure, defence manufacturing, advanced technology, and education.
Technology and Innovation at the Forefront
Reaffirming their shared ambition to lead in global innovation, Prime Ministers Modi and Starmer announced several groundbreaking initiatives under the Technology Security Initiative (TSI), including:
- India–UK Connectivity and Innovation Centre, a £24 million joint venture for 6G, AI-native networks, and cybersecurity.
- India–UK Joint Centre for AI, promoting responsible AI across healthcare, climate, fintech, and bioengineering.
- UK–India Critical Minerals Guild, strengthening supply chains and supporting investments in clean and advanced technologies.
They also welcomed biotechnology collaborations involving leading institutions such as the Centre for Process Innovation (UK), Indian Institute of Science, and Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (India) to advance genomics and 3D bioprinting.
Defence and Security Cooperation Strengthened
The leaders agreed to expand defence collaboration, including joint naval exercises, training programs, and capacity-building initiatives. Prime Minister Modi welcomed the Royal Navy’s Carrier Strike Group and the KONKAN exercise with the Indian Navy, symbolizing growing maritime partnership in the Indo-Pacific region.
Both sides also advanced discussions on an Inter-Governmental Agreement to co-develop maritime electric propulsion systems for Indian naval vessels. Additionally, India and the UK agreed on a government-to-government supply of Lightweight Multirole Missile (LMM) systems, enhancing India’s air defence under Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India).
Joint Stance on Global Peace and Security
During their talks, the two leaders discussed the war in Ukraine, regional stability in the Indo-Pacific, and cooperation on climate and energy security.
Sir Keir confirmed he raised the issue of India’s continued purchase of Russian oil, stating:
“Yes, we did discuss that this morning with Prime Minister Modi, and we each went through the steps we’re taking to bring about a resolution of the conflict.”
Prime Minister Modi reiterated India’s position that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only path to a lasting peace in Ukraine. Both leaders jointly expressed support for a “just and enduring peace in accordance with international law and the UN Charter.”
Commitment to Climate and Clean Energy
The Prime Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to net-zero emissions and green innovation. They launched the India–UK Climate Finance Initiative and announced a Climate Tech Start-up Fund to foster innovation in renewable energy and AI-driven sustainability solutions.
They also welcomed the creation of an Offshore Wind Taskforce and pledged closer cooperation through the Global Clean Power Alliance (GCPA).
Education, Culture, and People-to-People Exchange
Recognizing education as a pillar of long-term partnership, both leaders celebrated progress on the establishment of UK university campuses in India. The University of Southampton welcomed its inaugural batch of Indian students in Gurugram, with several other institutions—Liverpool, York, Aberdeen, and Bristol—receiving approval to open campuses in India.
The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the Annual Ministerial Strategic Education Dialogue and the Programme of Cultural Cooperation, strengthening youth engagement, arts, and creative industries.
They also reiterated their support for the Migration and Mobility Partnership (MMP) to ensure smoother, legal migration pathways while curbing irregular movement. Both leaders celebrated the Indian diaspora as a “living bridge” enriching the cultural and economic fabric of both nations.
Shared Vision for Global Leadership
The visit concluded with both Prime Ministers reaffirming their commitment to reformed multilateralism and collaboration in forums such as the United Nations, Commonwealth, and G20. The UK reiterated its long-standing support for India’s permanent membership in a reformed UN Security Council.
They also expressed strong support for the US-led peace plan for Gaza, calling for restraint, protection of civilians, and progress toward a Two-State solution.
As the visit drew to a close, Sir Keir Starmer thanked Prime Minister Modi for his warm hospitality, describing the trip as “a milestone in our shared journey toward a more prosperous, innovative, and secure future.”
The 2025 visit of UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to India marked a turning point in bilateral relations—transforming cooperation in trade, innovation, defence, and education into actionable partnerships. Both leaders’ shared vision of progress and global leadership reinforced the India–UK relationship as a cornerstone of stability, growth, and sustainability in the 21st century.
