British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has arrived in India for a two-day visit on Wednesday, mere weeks after meeting with PM Narendra Modi in London. Talks will focus predominantly on the recently signed India-UK Free Trade Agreement and various opportunities presented by the deal. The bilateral Technology Security Initiative clinched last year will also be at the top of the agenda. Modi and Starmer are expected to discuss a wide range of topics including technology ties and defence cooperation as well as attend multiple public-facing events over the next two days.
“The visit will build on the momentum and substance generated by the visit of PM Modi to the UK on July 23 and 24. It will provide a valuable opportunity to reaffirm the shared vision of India and the United Kingdom to build a forward-looking partnership,” a press note from the Ministry of External Affairs explained.
The visit follows an invitation issued by Modi and marks the first official trip to India since Starmer took office in 2024. The British PM will be accompanied by a delegation made up of over 100 business leaders, university vice-chancellors and cultural chiefs — reflecting a mission to boost trade and investment, technology and education ties.
How does the itinerary look?
Starmer will reach Mumbai early on Wednesday morning for a two-day visit to India. He will hold a meeting with Modi at the Raj Bhavan on Thursday morning and and deliver press statements. The British PM will then attend the CEO Forum at Jio World Center and participate in the sixth edition of the Global Fintech Fest 2025 — including delivery of keynote addresses along with PM Modi. Starmer is slated to depart from the coastal city late on Thursday night.
What is on the agenda?
The two leaders will take stock of the progress made across all aspects of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in line with “Vision 2035” — a 10-year roadmap agreed alongside the FTA in July to build on the key pillars of the partnership. They will also engage with businesses and industry leaders on opportunities presented by the India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement as a central pillar of the future India–UK economic partnership. The two PMs will also exchange views on issues of regional and global importance.
“The visit comes at a pivotal moment in the evolution of our bilateral relationship, defined increasingly by partnership, shared prosperity, and mutual respect. The UK-India corridor stands as one of the most promising economic relationships globally, and we look forward to supporting its continued growth — grounded in innovation, opportunity, and mutual ambition,” said Richard Heald, a member of the prime ministerial delegation. He is also the Chair of the UK India Business Council and scheduled to address a session on Indian entry strategies for UK small and medium enterprises.
UK government officials familiar with the visit told PTI that the two PMs will also engage with Indian and British business leaders to “turbocharge” trade between both countries, boost two-way investments and highlight the breadth of the bilateral relationship across a broad range of sectors. The FTA agreement is expected to significantly boost trade by removing tariffson more than 90% of British goods once it is ratified by Parliament in 2026.
The visit also coincides with a joint naval training exercise that is currently underway in the Arabian Sea. Defence and security cooperation — including training and exercises — are also expected to be a priority topic for the two leaders. Starmer and Modi will also aim to deepen investment flows, regulatory cooperation, and collaboration in emerging technologies like AI, quantum computing, biotechnology, and critical minerals. Source-based reports suggest that the Indian campaign against terrorism, pro-Khalistan activities in the UK and various economic offenders wanted by New Delhi might also be discussed.