Modi Meets Starmer in Mumbai: India-UK Alliance Gets a Boost
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer begins his first official visit to India, leading the largest-ever UK trade delegation. Key talks with PM Modi focus on advancing the India-UK Free Trade Agreement, tech collaboration, and £1.3 billion in Indian investments.

Modi Welcomes UK PM Keir Starmer to Mumbai in High-Profile Visit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi warmly welcomed UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to Mumbai, marking the British leader’s first official visit to India. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Modi highlighted the significance of the occasion, noting that Starmer arrived with the largest-ever trade delegation from the UK. Modi expressed optimism about advancing a “shared vision of a stronger, mutually prosperous future” during their upcoming talks.
Arrival and Reception
Keir Starmer landed in Mumbai on Wednesday, accompanied by a 125-member delegation comprising business, academic, and cultural leaders—a clear signal of the UK’s commitment to strengthening ties with India. Upon arrival at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, he was greeted by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar.
Later that evening, Starmer addressed business leaders at the Taj Mahal Palace, describing the trade mission as “unparalleled.” He emphasized the transformative potential of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), expressing eagerness to see it implemented swiftly to unlock new opportunities for both nations.
Agenda and Key Themes
The centerpiece of Starmer’s visit is his formal meeting with Prime Minister Modi at Raj Bhavan in Mumbai. The leaders are set to review progress under the “Vision 2035” framework, a comprehensive roadmap for India-UK collaboration in areas such as trade, technology, defense, energy, health, and education.
A major focus will be the implementation of the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), signed in July, alongside discussions on a technology security initiative launched earlier this year. As a testament to growing economic ties, Starmer is expected to announce £1.3 billion in investments from 64 Indian firms into the UK, reinforcing the mutual benefits of the partnership.
Both leaders will also participate in high-profile events, including the India-UK CEO Forum and the 6th Global Fintech Fest at the Jio World Centre in Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex. These platforms aim to bridge political leadership with industry innovation, particularly in fintech, digital public infrastructure, and sustainable growth.
Wider Significance and Signals
Starmer’s visit is seen as a reciprocal gesture following Modi’s trip to the UK earlier this year, where the two leaders solidified the trade pact. Beyond symbolism, the visit underscores a shared commitment to rapid and effective implementation of the FTA.
Discussions are also expected to explore technology and defense collaboration, with reports suggesting UK interest in studying India’s digital public infrastructure, such as Aadhaar, for potential applications in Britain.
Culturally, the visit highlights the growing soft-power ties between the two nations. Starmer’s itinerary includes engagements with Mumbai’s film industry and sporting events, reflecting a broader effort to deepen people-to-people connections and creative industry collaborations.
Conclusion
The Modi-Starmer meeting in Mumbai represents a significant milestone in India-UK relations. By combining high-level diplomacy with concrete economic and cultural initiatives, both nations are poised to unlock new avenues of cooperation. As the largest UK trade delegation to India sets the stage, the outcomes of this visit are expected to resonate across trade, technology, and strategic partnerships for years to come.
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