PM Modi, UK PM reaffirm strong bilateral ties
New Delhi, Oct 9: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today welcomed his British counterpart, Prime Minister Keir Starmer, to India on his first official visit, highlighting a new phase of cooperation between the two countries built on shared democratic values and mutual economic benefit.
“I am delighted to welcome Prime Minister Keir Starmer to Mumbai today on his first visit to India,” Prime Minister Modi said while addressing the joint press event.
He noted that under Prime Minister Starmer’s leadership, India-UK relations had made “significant progress,” particularly following the signing of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) during PM Modi’s visit to the UK in July this year.
“This agreement will reduce import costs between our two countries, create new employment opportunities for youth, boost trade, and benefit both our industries and consumers,” he said.
PM Modi said the presence of “the largest business delegation ever” accompanying Starmer symbolised “the new energy and broad vision in the India-UK partnership.”
He said that the two leaders had addressed “the largest summit of business leaders between India and the UK”.
Both leaders also participate in the India-UK CEO Forum and the Global FinTech Festival. Calling India and the UK “natural partners,” PM Modi emphasised that their relationship was founded on shared values such as “democracy, freedom, and the rule of law.”
He said, “In the current era of global instability, this growing partnership between India and the UK remains an important pillar of global stability and economic progress.”
On global issues, the Prime Minister said both sides had discussed “the Indo-Pacific, peace and stability in West Asia, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.”
He reiterated that “on the issue of the Ukraine conflict and Gaza, India supports all efforts to restore peace through dialogue and diplomacy,” and that India was “fully committed to enhancing maritime security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.”
Highlighting the scope for collaboration in emerging technologies, PM Modi said there was “immense potential for technology partnership between India and the UK,” and that the two nations were working to combine “the UK’s industrial expertise and R&D with India’s talent and scale.”
He referred to several joint initiatives, including the India–UK Technology Security Initiative, ‘Connectivity and Innovation Centre,’ and ‘Joint AI Research Centre.’
The two countries have also decided to establish an Industry Guild and Supply Chain Observatory for cooperation on critical minerals, with a satellite campus at ISM Dhanbad.
On climate and sustainable development, PM Modi said, “We welcome the formation of India–UK Offshore Wind Taskforce,” and added that a new Climate Technology Startup Fund would support innovators and entrepreneurs from both countries working in climate, technology, and AI.
Touching upon defence and education, the Prime Minister said, “From defence and security to education and innovation – new dimensions are being created in the relations between India and the UK.”
He noted that nine UK universities were opening campuses in India, including the recently inaugurated Southampton University campus in Gurugram.
He also announced progress in defence cooperation, saying India and the UK were “moving toward defence co-production and connecting the defence industries of both countries.”
An agreement on cooperation in military training had been signed, under which “Indian Air Force Flying Instructors will serve as trainers in the UK’s Royal Air Force.” “It is a special coincidence,” PM Modi remarked, “that while this meeting is taking place in Mumbai, the country’s financial capital, our naval ships are conducting the ‘Konkan 2025’ joint exercise.”
The Prime Minister also acknowledged the contribution of the Indian diaspora in the UK, describing the 1.8 million Indians there as “a vibrant link in our partnership.”
He said their contributions had “strengthened the bridges of friendship, cooperation, and development between our two countries.”
Concluding his remarks, PM Modi said, “India’s dynamism and the UK’s expertise combine to create a unique synergy. Our partnership is trustworthy, talent and technology-driven. And today, as Prime Minister Starmer and I stand together on the stage, it is our clear commitment that together, we will build a brighter future for the people of both countries.”
India-UK visit key outcomes
Technology & Innovation
India-UK Connectivity and Innovation Centre established.
Joint Centre for AI launched.
Phase II of Critical Minerals Supply Chain Observatory with satellite campus at IIT-ISM Dhanbad.
Education
Letter of Intent for Lancaster University campus in Bengaluru.
In-principle approval for University of Surrey campus in GIFT City.
Trade & Investment
Reconstituted India-UK CEO Forum held.
JETCO reset to implement CETA and boost trade & jobs.
Climate Technology Startup Fund launched to support innovation in AI & climate tech.
Climate & Health
Offshore Wind Taskforce established.
ICMR–NIHR LoI for health research collaboration.
