Mumbai / New Delhi : Prime Minister Narendra Modi and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer addressed a joint press conference in Mumbai today. Welcoming Prime Minister Keir Starmer on his first visit to India, PM Modi stated in his press statement that under Prime Minister Starmer’s leadership, India-UK relations have made significant progress. He said, “During my visit to the UK in July this year, we reached an agreement on the historic Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). This agreement will reduce import costs between our two countries, create new employment opportunities for youth, boost trade, and benefit both our industry and consumers.”
PM Modi said that Prime Minister Starmer’s visit to India, just a few months after the Agreement was signed, and the largest business delegation ever accompanying him, symbolizes the new energy and broad vision in the India-UK partnership.
He stated that yesterday marked the largest summit of business leaders between India and the UK. Today, we will also address the India-UK CEO Forum and the Global FinTech Festival. All of this will offer numerous suggestions and new possibilities for further strengthening India-UK cooperation.
He emphasized that India and the UK are natural partners. Our relationship is founded on a shared belief in values such as democracy, freedom, and the rule of law. In the current era of global instability, this growing partnership between India and the UK remains an important pillar of global stability and economic progress.
PM Modi also shared his views on international affairs. Referring to his meeting with his counterpart, Prime Minister Keir Starmer, he said, “In today’s meeting, we exchanged views on the Indo-Pacific, peace and stability in West Asia, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.” He stated that on the issues of the Ukraine conflict and Gaza, India supports all efforts to restore peace through dialogue and diplomacy. “We are fully committed to enhancing maritime security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.”
Discussing the technology partnership between India and the UK, he expressed hope for immense opportunities for Indian youth in this field. He said, “We are working to combine the UK’s industrial expertise, R&D, and India’s talent and scale.”
Recalling the India–UK Technology Security Initiative launched last year, PM Modi said that under this initiative, the two countries have created a strong platform for joint research and innovation in critical and emerging technologies. According to him, several initiatives have been taken, such as the Connectivity and Innovation Center and the Joint AI Research Center, to connect the young generation of both countries through innovation bridges.
His remarks also informed about the decision to establish an Industry Guild and Supply Chain Observatory for collaboration on critical minerals. The PM stated that its satellite campus will be located at ISM Dhanbad.
Expressing our shared commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals, PM Modi welcomed the formation of the India–UK Offshore Wind Taskforce in this direction.
He also informed that India and the UK have established a Climate Technology Startup Fund. This will support innovators and entrepreneurs from both countries working in climate, technology, and AI. PM Modi said that new dimensions are being created in the India-UK relationship, from defense and security to education and innovation.
PM Modi stated that this time Prime Minister Starmer is accompanied by the largest and most influential delegation from the education sector to date. According to him, nine UK universities are now opening campuses in India. The Gurugram campus of Southampton University was recently inaugurated, and the first group of students has already enrolled. Additionally, work is underway to build campuses for three other UK universities in GIFT City.
Discussing the growing defense cooperation between the two countries, he said, “We are moving towards defense co-production. We are connecting the defense industries of both countries. Taking defense cooperation a step further, we have signed an agreement on cooperation in military training. Under this, Indian Air Force Flying Instructors will serve as trainers in the UK’s Royal Air Force.”
He said that it is a special coincidence that while this meeting is taking place in Mumbai, the country’s financial capital, our naval ships are conducting the “Konkan 2025” joint exercise.
PM Modi said that the 1.8 million Indians settled in the UK are a living link in our partnership. Through their valuable contributions to British society and economy, they have strengthened the bridge of friendship, cooperation, and development between the two countries.
In his words, India’s dynamism and the UK’s expertise create a unique synergy. Our partnership is trustworthy, talent- and technology-driven. And today, as Prime Minister Starmer and I stand together on stage, it is our clear commitment that together we will build a brighter future for the people of both countries.
