October 8, 2025 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to host UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Mumbai on October 9, coinciding with the inauguration of several major infrastructure projects that aim to transform the city’s connectivity and public transport systems. The meeting will underscore the deepening strategic and economic partnership between India and the United Kingdom.
Modi’s visit to Maharashtra from October 8 to 9 involves multiple high-profile inaugurations in Mumbai, including the first phase opening of the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), the final stretch of Mumbai Metro Line 3, and the launch of “Mumbai One”, a unified mobility app integrating multiple public transit systems. These infrastructure milestones form the backdrop for a diplomatic engagement designed to accelerate UK-India collaboration.
The Ministry of External Affairs has confirmed that Modi and Starmer will review the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the “Vision 2035” roadmap during their meeting in Mumbai. The agenda includes keynote speeches at the Global Fintech Fest 2025, and participation in a CEO Forum in the city’s business hub.
The NMIA, built at an estimated cost of ₹19,650 crore, is India’s largest greenfield airport project and aims to relieve congestion at Mumbai’s existing airport by functioning in tandem as a dual-airport system. Modi will formally inaugurate its Phase 1, following a walkthrough of the airport grounds. The project is designed with state-of-the-art features including solar power, automated transit between terminals, and sustainable aviation infrastructure.
In addition, Modi will inaugurate Phase 2B of Mumbai Metro Line 3, which completes the final underground link between Acharya Atre Chowk and Cuffe Parade. With this, the entire Aqua Line (Line 3) will become fully operational, spanning 33.5 km underground. The full metro project, built at a cost of over ₹37,270 crore, is expected to dramatically reshape city commuting by linking southern Mumbai with business districts, railway hubs, and metro interfaces.
Another highlight of the infrastructure launch is “Mumbai One”, an integrated public transport app that combines ticketing and route information across metro lines, suburban rail, bus operators, monorail, and corridor services in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. This digital initiative is meant to simplify fare payments and improve commuter convenience across the city and adjacent areas such as Thane, Navi Mumbai, and Mira Bhayandar.
On October 9, Modi will officially host Starmer, and together they will attend the CEO Forum and deliver speeches at the Global Fintech Fest. Their discussions are expected to focus on trade, technology, finance, innovation and regulatory cooperation under the UK-India Free Trade Agreement, signed earlier this year. The two leaders will also review progress under shared roadmaps and explore new avenues for bilateral cooperation.
Starmer’s visit is part of a larger trade mission including over 100 business, academic and cultural leaders from the UK. The mission aims to translate the newly signed trade agreement into real business outcomes—bringing more investment flows, encouraging technology partnerships, and enhancing people-to-people exchange. Modi and Starmer are also expected to evaluate collaboration in emerging domains such as fintech, digital infrastructure, green growth, and supply chains.
Several urban and state leaders will join them in Mumbai. Maharashtra’s Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Ministers, along with the Governor, are expected to coordinate the state’s role in the events. Security and logistical arrangements are already in motion; Mumbai authorities have announced traffic restrictions and deployment of over 1,000 police personnel in critical zones to ensure smooth movement.
The timing of the meeting is significant. With the infrastructure inaugurations occurring just before the Modi–Starmer meeting, India is sending a strong message about its developmental ambitions, modernization drive, and openness to global partnerships. The UK, for its part, sees this as an opportunity to deepen its engagement with a fast-growing economy and leverage new trade and investment opportunities.
As the day unfolds, Modi will inaugurate the airport and metro projects, then host Starmer for business and diplomatic engagements. The two leaders will jointly highlight commitments to innovation, sustainable development, and strengthening bilateral ties as they seek to convert strategic frameworks into on-ground results.
Summary
PM Modi and UK Prime Minister Starmer will meet in Mumbai on October 9. Modi will inaugurate key infrastructure projects such as Navi Mumbai airport, Metro Line 3, and launch “Mumbai One.”