Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Keir Starmer reaffirmed the growing India–UK partnership across trade, defence, technology, climate, and education during the UK leader’s first official visit to India.
New Delhi, October 9, 2025 — At the invitation of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP, paid his first official visit to India from October 8 to 9, 2025. He was accompanied by a high-level delegation including the UK Secretaries of State for Business and Trade, Scotland, the Minister for Investment, and over 125 CEOs, entrepreneurs, university Vice Chancellors, and cultural leaders.
The visit marked a major step forward in the growing India–UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. It followed Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the UK in July 2025, during which both nations signed the India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and adopted the India–UK Vision 2035 and Defence Industrial Roadmap.
On October 9, both leaders addressed the Global Fintech Fest in Mumbai and held bilateral talks. They expressed satisfaction with the progress of the partnership and reaffirmed their commitment to global peace, stability, and a rules-based international order.
Growth and Trade
The Prime Ministers welcomed the CEO Forum held in Mumbai and expressed hope for the early ratification of CETA. They also announced the resetting of the Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) to oversee implementation and expansion of trade opportunities.
The business discussions highlighted key sectors such as clean energy, infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, defence, education, and technology. The UK India Infrastructure Financing Bridge (UKIIFB) was praised as an example of shared ambitions for sustainable growth.
Technology and Innovation
The two leaders reaffirmed cooperation on frontier technologies through the Technology Security Initiative (TSI). Key announcements included the creation of the India–UK Connectivity and Innovation Centre, a Joint Centre for AI, and a Critical Minerals Collaboration Guild. Partnerships were also launched in biotechnology between leading Indian and UK research institutions, aiming to advance genomics, biomanufacturing, and 3D bioprinting.
Defence and Security
Defence cooperation saw a significant boost, with agreements on joint training, naval exercises, and defence technology collaboration. India welcomed the UK’s Carrier Strike Group visit and exercise KONKAN with the Indian Navy. Both sides agreed to work together on developing maritime electric propulsion systems for Indian naval platforms and to proceed with government-to-government supply of Lightweight Multirole Missile systems.
The two leaders strongly condemned terrorism in all forms, calling for global action against terror financing and extremist activities. They also condemned the April 2025 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.
Climate and Energy
India and the UK reaffirmed their joint commitment to achieving net-zero goals. They launched the India–UK Climate Finance Initiative and a Climate Tech Start-up Fund to promote innovation in green energy. The establishment of an Offshore Wind Taskforce and cooperation under the Global Clean Power Alliance were also announced.
Education, Culture, and People-to-People Ties
Both leaders welcomed the growing educational collaboration, including the opening of campuses of nine leading UK universities in India, such as Southampton, Liverpool, York, and Aberdeen. They also discussed strengthening cultural cooperation through the UK-India Programme of Cultural Cooperation.
The Prime Ministers praised the Indian diaspora in the UK as a “living bridge” enhancing cultural and economic ties.
Regional and Global Cooperation
On global issues, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a rules-based international order and supported UN reforms, with the UK reiterating support for India’s bid for permanent membership in a reformed UN Security Council.
They expressed support for a peaceful resolution to the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, calling for restraint, humanitarian aid, and progress toward a Two-State solution in Gaza.
Prime Minister Starmer thanked Prime Minister Modi for the warm hospitality extended during his visit. The two leaders reaffirmed that the India–UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership is built on shared democratic values, trust, and a commitment to global peace and prosperity.
Source: PMO
