October 9 , 2025 : The United Kingdom’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer is currently on a two-day official visit to India, marking his first trip to the country since assuming office. The visit aims to strengthen bilateral relations and accelerate progress on a potential India-U.K. Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
On Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his British counterpart met in Mumbai, where they jointly inaugurated key infrastructure projects. Both leaders highlighted the importance of building stronger economic, technological, and cultural partnerships between the two nations.
Ahead of the leaders’ meeting, senior ministers from both sides — including India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and U.K. Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds — held detailed discussions to explore new ways to boost trade, investment, and innovation.
Officials said the talks focused on key sectors such as renewable energy, manufacturing, education, digital technology, and financial services. Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to creating mutually beneficial trade opportunities and ensuring that the FTA negotiations move forward efficiently.
The discussions also covered plans to increase U.K. investments in India’s infrastructure and green energy sectors, while India is expected to gain greater access to British markets for goods and services, particularly in pharmaceuticals, IT, and textiles.
A joint statement released after the meeting said:
“India and the United Kingdom share a deep, historic partnership. This visit reaffirms our commitment to a modern, forward-looking relationship focused on trade, innovation, and sustainable growth.”
In addition to trade talks, both leaders discussed global security challenges, climate cooperation, and the role of technology in shaping the future economy. The meeting also emphasized the importance of people-to-people ties, given the large Indian diaspora in the U.K., which continues to play a key role in strengthening bilateral relations.
During his visit, PM Starmer is also expected to attend a business roundtable in Mumbai with leading industrialists and startup founders, focusing on promoting innovation-driven growth and job creation in both countries.
British officials described India as a “crucial global partner,” noting that bilateral trade between the two countries currently stands at around £38 billion annually. Both governments hope to expand this figure significantly in the coming years once the FTA is finalized.
Prime Minister Modi, in his remarks, highlighted India’s emergence as one of the fastest-growing major economies and invited U.K. firms to invest more in sectors such as semiconductors, green hydrogen, and advanced manufacturing.
PM Starmer’s visit also comes as part of Britain’s broader effort to strengthen its global trade network after Brexit. India, being one of the world’s largest consumer markets, is seen as a priority partner in the U.K.’s Indo-Pacific strategy.
The two sides also discussed cooperation in education and skill development, with new plans being explored for joint research programs and university collaborations.
Security and defense ties formed another important part of the agenda. The leaders discussed expanding collaboration in maritime security, counterterrorism, and cyber defense to safeguard shared interests in the Indo-Pacific region.
Officials from both countries expressed optimism that the visit would pave the way for the early conclusion of the FTA, which has been under negotiation since 2022. The agreement, once signed, is expected to boost exports, create new jobs, and enhance economic resilience for both nations.
The U.K. Prime Minister is scheduled to meet with business leaders, students, and members of the Indian diaspora before concluding his visit on Thursday.
Summary
U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer met PM Modi in Mumbai to discuss trade, investment, and strategic cooperation. Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the long-awaited Free Trade Agreement.