PM Modi, Starmer vow to strengthen India-UK ties

New Delhi, July 6: Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in a conversation today with Sir Keir Starmer, the newly elected Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

Modi extended his heartfelt congratulations to Starmer on his remarkable victory in the UK general elections and on assuming office as the Prime Minister.

The leaders reminisced about the enduring historical relations between India and the UK, expressing a mutual commitment to further deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. They emphasised the importance of concluding a mutually beneficial India-UK Free Trade Agreement at the earliest opportunity.

Both leaders acknowledged the positive contributions of the Indian community in the UK’s social, economic, and political spheres, and agreed on the need to continue fostering close people-to-people connections. Modi extended an invitation to Prime Minister Starmer for an early visit to India, which was warmly received.

In a tweet, yesterday Prime Minister Modi sent his congratulations, stating, “Heartiest congratulations and best wishes to @Keir_Starmer on the remarkable victory in the UK general elections. I look forward to our positive and constructive collaboration to further strengthen the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in all areas, fostering mutual growth and prosperity.”

The Labour Party’s victory marks a significant shift in the UK political landscape, prompting deep introspection within the Conservative Party, which saw several prominent figures, including the former Prime Minister Liz Truss, lose their seats.

The Liberal Democrats, Reform UK, and the Greens made historic gains, securing 71, four, and four seats respectively. The Scottish National Party, however, faced a setback, securing only nine seats compared to 48 in 2019.

On his first full day as Prime Minister, Starmer convened a meeting with his cabinet, which included Rachel Reeves as Chancellor, Angela Rayner as Deputy Prime Minister, David Lammy as Foreign Secretary, John Healy as Defence Secretary, and Yvette Cooper as Home Secretary. “We have a huge amount of work to do, so now we get on with our work,” Starmer remarked.

Starmer is set to hold a news conference later this afternoon. Meanwhile, Rishi Sunak has announced his intention to stay on as Conservative leader temporarily until a successor is chosen.

In his first speech yesterday as Prime Minister, Starmer highlighted the urgency of his agenda, proclaiming, “Our work is urgent - and we begin it today,” to enthusiastic applause from his supporters.

Outgoing Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, in his resignation speech outside No. 10, acknowledged the voters’ dissatisfaction, saying, “I have heard your anger,” marking the end of 14 years of Conservative governance.

The Labour victory was definitive, with the Conservative campaign marred by a series of failures, resulting in a near-irrelevance in the current political landscape.

In a farewell tweet to Sunak yesterday, Prime Minister Modi expressed gratitude for his leadership and contributions to UK-India relations, wishing him and his family well for the future. This election marks a pivotal moment in UK politics, setting the stage for a new era under Prime Minister Keir Starmer.