09.10.2025: India–UK Partnership: A Pillar of Global Stability and Economic Progress – Prime Minister Narendra Modi
India–UK Partnership: A Pillar of Global Stability and Economic Progress
– Prime Minister Narendra Modi
• Joint Statement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer
• Unprecedented Opportunities in Trade, Technology, Education, and Defence
Mumbai, October 9 : India and the United Kingdom are natural partners across diverse sectors, bound by shared values such as democracy, freedom, and the rule of law. In the current era of global uncertainty, the growing India–UK partnership has become an important pillar for global stability and economic progress, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said today. Under the leadership of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, relations between the two nations have strengthened further, unlocking unprecedented opportunities in trade, technology, education, and defence.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is on a two-day visit to India. At the Raj Bhavan in Mumbai today, he held bilateral talks with Prime Minister Modi. Following the meeting, both leaders issued a joint statement, during which PM Modi addressed the media.
Prime Minister Modi said that during his visit to the UK in July this year, both sides agreed on the historic Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). This agreement will boost trade and job creation while benefiting both consumers and industries. He noted that the presence of the largest-ever UK business delegation accompanying the British Prime Minister is a clear reflection of the new energy in this partnership. PM Modi also mentioned that business-to-business summits, the CEO Forum, and the Global FinTech Festival have opened up new avenues of cooperation.
PM Modi stated that both leaders also exchanged views on stability in the Indo-Pacific and West Asia, as well as on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. He reiterated that India supports all efforts to restore peace in Ukraine and Gaza through dialogue and diplomacy. He added that both countries are committed to enhancing maritime security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
India–UK Technology Security Initiative Boosting Innovation
Highlighting the immense potential for cooperation in technology, PM Modi said, “We are connecting the UK’s industrial expertise and research capabilities with India’s talent and scale.” The India–UK Technology Security Initiative, launched last year, is fostering innovation. A new industry consortium for collaboration in the mining sector is being established, with its satellite campus to be located at ISM Dhanbad, he informed. For sustainable development, both nations have also launched the India–UK Offshore Wind Taskforce and a Climate Tech Startup Fund, he added.
PM Modi said that nine British universities are setting up campuses in India. The University of Southampton’s Gurugram campus has already been inaugurated, and three more institutions are being established in GIFT City.
Stronger Defence Cooperation Between India and the UK
The India–UK defence partnership is growing stronger, with both nations taking steps towards joint production. A military training cooperation agreement has also been signed, under which Indian Air Force flight instructors will now serve as trainers in the UK’s Royal Air Force. While the meeting was taking place in Mumbai, the navies of both countries were conducting their joint maritime exercise ‘KONKAN 2025’, reflecting the strength of this strategic cooperation, PM Modi noted.
PM Modi said that the 1.8 million people of Indian origin living in the UK are a living bridge of friendship between the two nations. Their valuable contribution to British society and the economy has further strengthened the bonds of friendship and progress between India and the UK.
“India’s dynamism and the UK’s expertise create a unique synergy. Our partnership stands on the pillars of talent, technology, and trust. Together, we will build a brighter future for our people,” PM Modi affirmed.
A New Chapter in India–UK Partnership: Strengthening the Human Bridge
– UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer
“The human connections between India and the UK are the true essence of our relationship,” said UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer while delivering the joint statement following the bilateral meeting in Mumbai. “As Prime Minister Modi said, it is a living bridge — connecting our countries, our people, and our minds.”
Starmer stated that India and the UK are coming together to build a modern, future-oriented partnership, creating new opportunities for citizens of both countries. Completing the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) will be a historic milestone, reducing tariffs, improving market access, generating employment, and raising living standards. Beyond its economic benefits, the confidence and cooperation fostered during the process will strengthen the India–UK relationship, he added.
Holding this meeting in Mumbai, India’s financial capital, is symbolic, Starmer noted. “India’s economic progress is remarkable. I congratulate Prime Minister Modi for setting the goal of making India the world’s third-largest economy by 2028 and for his vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’. We are eager to be partners in this journey,” he said.
During this visit, the UK has brought its largest-ever business delegation to India, consisting of 126 companies, to explore opportunities under the trade agreement, Starmer revealed.
He emphasized that both the UK and India are global leaders in technology and innovation, expressing commitment to deepening cooperation in areas such as artificial intelligence, advanced communications, and defence technology.
Starmer also announced a new agreement to facilitate Bollywood film productions in the UK, and said that all British universities will soon establish campuses in India, making the UK India’s leading international education partner and realizing the goals of Vision 2035.
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