Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to the newly elected UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer today and congratulated him on the assumption of office and the Labour Party’s remarkable election victory. The Prime Minister invited PM Starmer to visit India and both the leaders agreed to work towards the swift conclusion of a mutually beneficial India-UK free trade agreement.
Both leaders reflected on the historic relations between India and the UK and reaffirmed their commitment to deepening and advancing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries. They appreciated the positive contributions of the Indian community to the UK’s social, economic, and political development and agreed to continue fostering close people-to-people ties.
PM Starmer also received an invitation from PM Modi for an early visit to India, and the leaders agreed to remain in contact, the statement added.
“Pleased to speak with @Keir_Starmer. Congratulated him on being elected as the Prime Minister of the UK. We remain committed to deepening Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and robust IN-GB economic ties for the progress and prosperity of our peoples and global good,” PM Modi stated in a post on X.
Earlier, on Friday, July 5, after Starmer’s election, Modi expressed anticipation for their constructive collaboration to further bolster the India-UK comprehensive strategic partnership. He also commended outgoing PM and Conservative Party leader Rishi Sunak for his commendable leadership and active efforts in strengthening ties between India and the UK during his tenure.
In a major political shift, Labour achieved a remarkable victory, securing 412 out of 650 seats in the House of Commons. This marks their best performance since Tony Blair’s 1997 triumph. Conversely, the Conservatives won only 121 seats, experiencing their worst-ever result, which led to the end of Rishi Sunak’s leadership of both the country and his party.