Prime Minister Starmer’s visit is expected to conclude with a joint statement outlining next steps in the India–UK partnership, including timelines for the CETA agreement, new joint research initiatives, and enhanced visa and mobility pathways for students and professionals
United Kingdom Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer arrived in India on Tuesday evening for his first official visit to the country since assuming office. The two-day visit, at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aims to deepen cooperation under the India–UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and advance the ‘Vision 2035’ roadmap.
Warm Welcome in Mumbai
Prime Minister Starmer was received at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport by senior Indian officials and the British High Commissioner to India, Lindy Cameron. Shortly after arrival, Starmer paid tribute at the Gateway of India, laying a wreath to honour the historic ties between the two nations.
He later visited the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), where he interacted with financial leaders and underscored the potential of the India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), which negotiators on both sides have been working to finalize by early 2026. “India and the UK share a future rooted in innovation, trust, and opportunity. Our economic partnership must serve as a model for a fair, sustainable, and dynamic global economy,” Starmer said.
High-Level Bilateral Talks
On Wednesday, Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Starmer met at the Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai for a bilateral summit focused on trade, defence collaboration, clean energy, and digital innovation. The two leaders reviewed progress under Vision 2035 — the shared 10-year framework guiding India–UK cooperation across key sectors.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to concluding the CETA negotiations, expanding defence technology co-development, and strengthening cooperation in critical and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and semiconductors.
The meeting also addressed climate resilience and energy transition, with announcements of new UK investments in India’s renewable energy sector and collaborative research on green hydrogen and offshore wind.
Global Fintech Fest 2025
Both leaders attended the 6th Global Fintech Fest in Mumbai, where they delivered keynote speeches before a global audience of entrepreneurs, investors, and regulators. Prime Minister Modi hailed the fintech sector as a “bridge between inclusion and innovation,” while Starmer praised India’s leadership in digital public infrastructure, stating that “India’s UPI story is an inspiration for inclusive growth and cross-border payment innovation.”
During the event, the UK and India announced a new ‘Fintech Growth and Innovation Fund’ worth £250 million to support startups working in sustainable finance, cybersecurity, and digital inclusion.
Regional and Global Outlook
Beyond bilateral issues, the leaders discussed regional and global developments, including Indo-Pacific security, counter-terrorism cooperation, and the importance of a free, open, and rules-based international order. Both reiterated their commitment to multilateralism and reform of global institutions such as the UN Security Council and WTO to reflect 21st-century realities.
Building on Momentum
This visit builds upon the momentum created during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to London in July 2025, where both nations had signed new memorandums on defence innovation and academic exchanges. Officials noted that this meeting further consolidates India–UK ties into a comprehensive, future-focused partnership.
