India-UK Ties Set for Stronger Phase Under New PM Andy Burnham, Experts Say

Strategic experts expect the India-UK partnership to maintain its momentum under incoming British Prime Minister Andy Burnham , with greater cooperation likely in trade, defence, investment and regional development. Burnham, 56, was elected unopposed as the Labour Party leader and will succeed Keir Starmer as UK Prime Minister. His appointment comes soon after the implementation of the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) , seen as a major boost for bilateral economic ties.

Experts believe India will remain a key focus of British foreign policy under Burnham, citing his previous engagement with India during his tenure as Mayor of Greater Manchester . India’s Consul General in Manchester, Vishakha Yaduvanshi , highlighted Burnham’s role in promoting India-North England relations through business, education and innovation partnerships. Burnham has earlier identified sectors such as digital technology, advanced manufacturing, engineering, healthcare, academia, tourism and sports as areas with significant potential for India-UK collaboration.

Rajesh Agrawal , chair of the Labour Friends of India , said Burnham’s experience in strengthening regional economies and international partnerships could encourage deeper engagement between India and UK regions. Analysts have also predicted continuity in bilateral relations. Rahul Roy-Chaudhury, Senior Fellow for South Asia at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) , said ties between the two countries are currently at their strongest level in more than a decade. He added that Burnham has an opportunity to expand cooperation in defence, manufacturing and economic partnerships .

The 1928 Institute called for proactive measures, including an India Task Force or Trade Envoy, to sustain the progress achieved under the previous government. Business leaders, including Lord Karan Bilimoria, expressed confidence that Burnham would continue prioritising India and bring stability to UK politics. He said stronger ties could help achieve the goal of doubling bilateral trade from nearly £50 billion to £100 billion by 2030 .

British Indian entrepreneur Uday Nagaraju said the next phase of relations would focus on converting the trade agreement into tangible outcomes through investment, exports, jobs, research partnerships and opportunities for smaller businesses . Experts believe Burnham’s leadership could further deepen the strategic and economic partnership between India and the UK.