During his visit to India, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in discussions on security, trade, and innovation, emphasizing the importance of preventing extremism and enhancing economic collaboration, particularly through the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA). This visit underscored the deepening economic ties between the two nations, with the FTA aimed at generating jobs, increasing investments, and supporting India’s vision of Viksit Bharat. Security was a primary concern, as PM Modi highlighted the necessity of countering extremist movements, such as Khalistani radicals, who seek to exploit democratic freedoms. Both leaders concurred that addressing these threats must occur within legal frameworks that protect civil liberties, reflecting their joint commitment to rule-of-law approaches in counterterrorism efforts.
Starmer’s delegation represented the largest UK business mission to India, comprising 125 business leaders, entrepreneurs, and nine vice-chancellors from UK universities. Their discussions revolved around cross-border investments, establishing university campuses in India, and fostering innovative collaborations across various sectors, including clean energy and digital technologies. Modi welcomed these initiatives, stressing how educational and business partnerships could open pathways for youth and cultivate future leaders. Furthermore, Starmer visited Yash Raj Films to explore potential joint film production opportunities and attended a football-themed event, highlighting the cultural aspect of their bilateral relationship. He urged business leaders from both nations to identify trade barriers and leverage the FTA effectively.
Since the signing of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) in July, trade between India and the UK has surged by £6 billion, showcasing the advantages of their strengthened economic relationship. New investments in a climate technology startup fund were also announced, reflecting their shared commitment to sustainable innovation. Amid these discussions, the UK reaffirmed its support for India’s bid for a permanent seat on a reformed UN Security Council, further emphasizing trust and strategic alignment on global matters. Overall, the visit reinforced the vision of a comprehensive India-UK partnership that balances economic growth with shared responsibilities in addressing global and regional challenges.
