UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to Visit India for Talks on Trade and Strategy
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will undertake a two-day visit to India from October 8-9, his first since taking office. He is scheduled to hold wide-ranging talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Mumbai on October 9. Discussions will focus on advancing the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and exploring opportunities presented by the recently signed Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), which aims to significantly boost bilateral trade and investment between the two nations.
Unpacked:
The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership is a framework to deepen cooperation across multiple sectors. 'Vision 2035' is a 10-year roadmap focusing on trade, technology, defense, climate, health, education, and people-to-people ties, setting specific goals and initiatives for collaboration between India and the UK.
CETA is a bilateral trade agreement aimed at reducing barriers, increasing trade, and boosting investment between India and the UK. It is significant as it marks a major step in enhancing economic ties, opening new opportunities for businesses and fostering innovation and growth in both nations.
The visit builds on momentum from Prime Minister Modi's July 2025 trip to the UK, where both leaders discussed advancing the strategic partnership. The recent signing of CETA and shared interest in global issues have created a favorable climate for deeper cooperation.
Key events include wide-ranging talks between Starmer and Modi in Mumbai, participation in the 6th Global Fintech Fest where both will deliver keynote addresses, and meetings with business and industry leaders to explore opportunities under CETA.