PM Modi and UK PM Keir Starmer to Review Strategic Partnership, Strengthen Roadmap for Future Cooperation

Mumbai, October 9, 2025 Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet his British counterpart, Keir Starmer, in Mumbai on Thursday to review the progress of the India–UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and advance the shared Vision 2035 roadmap. This engagement marks Starmer’s first official visit to India since assuming office and highlights a renewed phase of cooperation between the two nations across trade, innovation, defence, and sustainable growth. Starmer arrived in Mumbai on Wednesday for a two-day visit at the invitation of Prime Minister Modi. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that the discussions will focus on assessing the progress achieved under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership — a 10-year framework designed to enhance collaboration in critical areas such as trade and investment, technology, defence and security, climate action, education, health, and people-to-people engagement. The two leaders are also expected to explore new opportunities under the India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), which serves as a cornerstone of the bilateral relationship. CETA, described by both sides as a transformative pact, aims to promote sustainable economic growth, ease trade barriers, and create new employment avenues in both economies. Modi and Starmer will also share perspectives on key regional and global issues, underscoring their commitment to a rules-based international order and mutual prosperity. In addition to their bilateral discussions, both leaders will attend the sixth edition of the Global Fintech Fest in Mumbai, where they are scheduled to deliver keynote addresses. The event will provide a platform for engagement with industry experts, policymakers, and innovators, focusing on the role of financial technology in driving inclusive economic progress. The MEA noted that Starmer’s visit builds upon the momentum created during Prime Minister Modi’s trip to the United Kingdom in July 2025. That visit had reinforced the long-term vision of strengthening bilateral ties and expanding cooperation across emerging sectors. The ongoing dialogue between the two nations reflects a shared ambition to modernize trade frameworks, enhance defence manufacturing, and support innovation-driven growth. During their earlier meeting at Chequers in Buckinghamshire, Modi and Starmer had lauded the signing of the India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement. The accord significantly elevated the existing strategic partnership by enhancing trade flows, investment opportunities, and job creation across sectors. Both sides had also agreed to a Double Contribution Convention, which came into effect alongside CETA, streamlining professional mobility and reducing the cost of doing business for enterprises in both countries. Further strengthening the defence and security partnership, the leaders had welcomed the completion of the Defence Industrial Roadmap. This initiative promotes co-design, co-development, and co-production of advanced defence technologies, aligning with both nations’ industrial and strategic goals. Prime Minister Modi also emphasized India’s growing financial ecosystem, highlighting the potential for deeper collaboration between Gujarat’s GIFT City and the UK’s established financial hubs. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to leveraging these synergies to promote innovation and sustainable investment. The upcoming meeting between Modi and Starmer is expected to reaffirm the long-standing friendship between India and the United Kingdom while setting the stage for a stronger, future-oriented partnership anchored in mutual growth, shared democratic values, and a joint vision for global stability. PM Modi and UK PM Starmer Strengthen India–UK Strategic Partnership Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will meet in Mumbai to review the India–UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and advance Vision 2035. This marks Starmer’s first official visit to India, focusing on trade, innovation, defence, and climate cooperation. The leaders will also attend the Global Fintech Fest, engaging with industry experts and innovators. Their talks aim to build on the momentum of recent agreements, including the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, and set a stronger foundation for collaboration, growth, and shared prosperity between the two nations in the coming decade.