MUMBAI — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer made his first official visit to India this week, meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to deepen economic, technological, and defense cooperation between the two countries.
Starmer, with a high-level delegation of ministers, business leaders, and university officials, visited India from Oct. 8–9 at Modi’s invitation. His trip followed Modi’s visit to the United Kingdom in July, when both nations signed the landmark India–U.K. Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, or CETA, and adopted a 10-year strategic roadmap and defense cooperation plan.
During their talks in Mumbai on Oct. 9, Modi and Starmer expressed satisfaction with the growing partnership and reaffirmed their commitment to global peace, stability, and a rules-based international order. Both leaders also delivered keynote addresses at the Global Fintech Fest.
Boosting trade and investment
The two prime ministers welcomed the meeting of the India–U.K. CEO Forum on the sidelines of the summit. They emphasized the need for swift ratification of the CETA to unlock new trade opportunities. They also agreed to revitalize the Joint Economic and Trade Committee, known as JETCO, to oversee implementation of the agreement.
Starmer’s delegation of 125 chief executives, investors, academics, and cultural leaders underscored growing business interest in sectors such as clean energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, technology, education, and finance. The leaders also discussed strengthening the U.K.–India Infrastructure Financing Bridge between NITI Aayog and the City of London Corporation.
Expanding technology and innovation ties
Modi and Starmer announced several new initiatives under the Technology Security Initiative, including a £24 million India–U.K. Connectivity and Innovation Centre to develop 6G networks and cybersecurity solutions. They also launched a Joint Center for Artificial Intelligence to promote responsible AI in health, climate, and fintech.
Both sides agreed to expand cooperation on critical minerals, biotechnology, and advanced manufacturing, with new partnerships between leading Indian research institutions and U.K. organizations such as the Center for Process Innovation and the Henry Royce Institute.
Strengthening defense and security
The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepening military ties, including joint exercises and training. Modi welcomed the planned visit of the U.K.’s Carrier Strike Group and expanded naval cooperation through the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative.
India and the U.K. also agreed to finalize an intergovernmental pact on developing maritime electric propulsion systems and to begin government-to-government collaboration on lightweight multirole missile systems for India’s air defense.
Both prime ministers condemned terrorism “in all its forms” and pledged to strengthen counterterrorism cooperation. They jointly condemned the April 2025 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.
Climate, energy, and education partnerships
The two sides announced a new Climate Finance Initiative and joint investment in a Climate Tech Start-up Fund aimed at boosting green innovation. They also launched an Offshore Wind Task Force to expand renewable energy cooperation.
Education featured prominently in the talks, with both leaders welcoming the establishment of new U.K. university campuses in India, including the University of Southampton in Gurugram and upcoming campuses in GIFT City and Bengaluru.
They also reaffirmed their commitment to the Migration and Mobility Partnership, which aims to facilitate student and professional exchanges while addressing irregular migration.
Global cooperation and regional stability
Modi and Starmer agreed to work closely on reforming global institutions, with the U.K. reaffirming its support for India’s bid for a permanent seat on a reformed U.N. Security Council.
Both leaders expressed support for efforts to secure peace in Ukraine and the Middle East, endorsing the U.S. peace plan for Gaza and calling for restraint and protection of civilians.
Starmer thanked Modi for his hospitality and said the visit highlighted the “positive trajectory” of the India–U.K. partnership, built on “shared democratic values and deep bonds of friendship.”
