MUMBAI – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday hailed “significant progress” in India–UK relations as he met British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who is on his first official visit to India since taking office. The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to unlocking what they described as “unparalleled” economic and strategic opportunities between the two nations.
The visit comes shortly after India and Britain signed a landmark trade agreement in London in July. The accord will see India lower tariffs on British imports, including whisky, cosmetics, and medical devices, while the UK will reduce duties on Indian exports such as clothing, footwear, and food products like frozen prawns.
Modi said the agreement would “reduce import costs, create new employment opportunities for youth, boost trade, and benefit industry and consumers in both countries.” Addressing Starmer as a “friend,” Modi praised his visit as symbolizing the “new energy” in bilateral ties, adding that “together we will build a bright future for the people of both countries.”The UK delegation , one of the largest in recent bilateral meetings, with around 125 members — aims to secure greater trade and investment. Bilateral commerce currently stands at approximately US$54.8 billion, underpinning over 600,000 jobs across both countries.
Starmer applauded India’s rapid economic rise, describing it as “remarkable” and expressing confidence that New Delhi is on track to become the world’s third-largest economy by 2028. “Everything I’ve seen since I’ve been here is absolute proof that you’re on track to succeed,” he said. “We want to be partners on that journey.”In addition to economic ties, the two leaders announced a new defence cooperation agreement and deepened collaboration in education. The partnership will support nine British universities set to establish campuses across India, reflecting a growing emphasis on knowledge and skills exchange.
Starmer is expected to return to London later on October 9, concluding his visit with commitments for “major new investments” expected to generate thousands of high-skilled jobs in both nations, reinforcing the momentum in the revitalized India and UK partnership.