Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday welcomed British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to the Raj Bhavan in Mumbai, marking Starmer’s first visit to India since taking office. The visit, accompanied by the largest-ever UK business delegation, signifies a major step toward expanding India–UK trade, defense, and technology partnerships.
Sharing a post on Instagram, PM Modi wrote, “I am delighted to welcome my friend, Prime Minister Keir Starmer, to the Raj Bhavan in Mumbai. This being his first visit to India, this is certainly a special occasion. The presence of the largest business delegation in India makes it even more special and reflects the strong potential of India-UK relations.”
Starmer Praises India’s Vision 2047
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer lauded PM Modi’s vision of a developed India 2047, calling it “inspiring and ambitious.” He said, “I want to congratulate Prime Minister Modi for his leadership, which has set a target of making India the third largest economy in the world by 2028. Your vision of a developed India 2047 is an inspiring step toward making India a fully developed country. We want to be your partner in this journey.”
Starmer revealed that his visit included a stop at an Indian film studio, announcing a new agreement for the production of Bollywood films in Britain. He also emphasized that the two countries were working to strengthen cooperation in education, adding that India’s youth will play a leading role in achieving the 2047 development goals.
Strengthening the Technology and Defense Partnership
Addressing the joint press conference, PM Starmer said that India and the UK are global leaders in innovation and technology, and both nations have decided to expand their cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI), advanced communications, and defense technologies.
Prime Minister Modi added that under Starmer’s leadership, India–UK relations have reached new heights, recalling the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) signed during his July visit to London. Modi highlighted that within just a few months, Starmer’s reciprocal visit, accompanied by the UK’s largest business delegation, shows that the partnership is moving forward with new energy and vision.
“India and the UK Are Natural Partners,” Says PM Modi
During the joint press briefing, PM Modi said, “India and the United Kingdom are natural partners. Our relationship is based on shared values such as democracy, freedom, and the rule of law.”
He noted that the India–UK Business Leaders’ Summit, held in Mumbai, was the largest ever, bringing together CEOs and investors from both sides. The discussions, Modi said, “brought forward many valuable suggestions to further strengthen cooperation.”
Both leaders are also scheduled to address the India–UK CEO Forum and the Global Fintech Festival, which aim to foster deeper collaboration in finance, innovation, and digital transformation.
Delegation-Level Talks in Mumbai
The delegation-level talks between PM Modi and PM Starmer are ongoing in Mumbai. The discussions cover a wide range of issues including trade, investment, defense cooperation, technology partnerships, and global challenges.
The meeting is being seen as a crucial step toward broadening economic and strategic ties between India and the UK, two countries that continue to build upon their shared democratic values and global ambitions.
