PM Modi Welcomes UK PM Starmer To India With Largest-Ever Trade Delegation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Raj Bhavan in Mumbai on October 9, 2025, marking Starmer's first official visit to India since assuming office. The two leaders held extensive bilateral discussions aimed at strengthening the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership under the Vision 2035 roadmap. Key areas of focus included trade and investment, technology and innovation, defence and security, climate and energy, health, and education.

This visit comes after the signing of a landmark India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in July 2024, which seeks to boost bilateral trade by £25.5 billion ($34 billion) annually and is expected to double trade by 2030. UK PM Starmer described the FTA as a "launchpad for growth," highlighting the mutual benefits as India is projected to become the world's third-largest economy by 2028. The agreement includes tariff reductions on goods such as textiles, cars, and whiskey, while improving market access for businesses in both countries.

Accompanying Starmer was the largest-ever UK trade delegation to India, consisting of over 125 business leaders, entrepreneurs, and educational figures. Both leaders participated in the CEO Forum and the Global Fintech Fest 2025, with a focus on AI-powered innovation, augmented intelligence, and financial inclusion, underscoring the importance of technological collaboration and financial innovation between India and the UK.

During the visit, Starmer also met with prominent Indian industry leaders, including Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani, to discuss the UK's plan to implement a national digital identity system inspired by India's Aadhaar model.

PM Modi described Starmer's visit as historic, emphasizing that it marks a significant step in strengthening India-UK relations. The talks are expected to deepen strategic partnerships across commerce, security, and people-to-people ties, reinforcing the trajectory of a mutually prosperous bilateral relationship.