Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the India–UK partnership as a key force for global stability and economic progress, following comprehensive talks with his British counterpart, Keir Starmer, in New Delhi on Thursday. The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation across trade, investment, defence, and emerging technologies, marking a new chapter in the deepening strategic relationship between the two democracies.
Starmer arrived in Mumbai on Wednesday leading a high-level trade delegation of over 120 business leaders. His two-day visit comes just three months after India and the UK finalized their long-awaited free trade agreement, a milestone reached after years of intermittent negotiations that were often impacted by global economic disruptions and shifting trade dynamics.
Both leaders praised the newly concluded Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), highlighting its potential to reduce tariffs, expand market access, create jobs, and deliver significant benefits for industries and consumers in both countries. They also underscored their shared commitment to upholding global stability and a rules-based international order.
At the meeting, several major initiatives were announced under the Technology Security Initiative (TSI), focusing on collaboration in artificial intelligence, telecommunications, critical minerals, and healthcare innovation. The two sides also advanced defence cooperation, signing an agreement for the government-to-government supply of lightweight multirole missile systems to enhance India’s air defence capabilities. In addition, Indian Air Force instructors will soon work alongside their Royal Air Force counterparts under a new joint training arrangement.
Speaking at a joint press event, Modi emphasized that India and the UK were “natural partners” united by shared democratic values and a common vision for global progress. “India’s energy and the UK’s expertise form a partnership of trust, driven by talent and technology,” he said, adding that the collaboration is well positioned to address global challenges in an era of uncertainty.
Starmer echoed Modi’s sentiments, saying the two nations were forging a “modern partnership built for the future” that would seize the opportunities of a rapidly evolving global economy. He reaffirmed the UK’s support for India’s “Viksit Bharat 2047” vision and said the TSI would be the foundation for deeper engagement in AI, communications, and advanced defence technology.
Modi revealed that India and the UK would soon launch an Industry Guild and a Supply Chain Observatory to enhance cooperation on critical minerals. He also announced the creation of a joint Climate Technology Startup Fund to encourage innovators in sustainability and clean technology from both nations.
On the defence front, Modi noted that the two countries were moving toward co-production and greater industrial integration. Their discussions coincided with Konkan 2025, a joint naval exercise currently underway, featuring a British carrier strike group and Indian naval assets.
A joint statement confirmed that India and the UK would establish a Regional Maritime Security Centre of Excellence under the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative and finalize a new agreement on developing maritime electric propulsion systems for Indian vessels. The two sides also reiterated their shared commitment to counter-terrorism, pledging to work together against extremist ideologies, terror financing, and cross-border threats.
“The Prime Ministers condemned in the strongest terms the April 2025 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir,” the statement said, adding that both nations would intensify efforts to bring global terror networks and their sponsors to justice.
Higher education featured prominently in the discussions as well. Nine leading British universities are set to open campuses in India, including the University of Southampton in Gurugram and the University of Liverpool, York, Aberdeen, and Bristol, which have received approvals for branch campuses. Queen’s University Belfast and Coventry University will open in GIFT City, while Lancaster University and the University of Surrey have also been cleared to establish Indian campuses. The initiative is expected to give a £50-million boost to the UK’s education sector while supporting India’s growing demand for higher education access.
Both leaders also exchanged views on regional and global issues, including the Indo-Pacific, the conflict in Ukraine, and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Modi reiterated India’s call for peace through dialogue and diplomacy, emphasizing the need for stability in West Asia and maritime security in the Indo-Pacific.
Starmer welcomed the initial phase of the Gaza peace plan and urged that it be implemented fully and immediately, along with the lifting of restrictions on humanitarian aid. The visit concluded with both sides reaffirming their shared vision for a stronger, forward-looking partnership that contributes to global peace, prosperity, and innovation.
