India-UK ties driven by Trust, Talent, Technology: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday described the partnership between India and the United Kingdom as “trustworthy, talent- and technology-driven”, following high-level talks with his British counterpart, Prime Minister Keir Starmer, in Mumbai.

Addressing a joint press conference with Starmer, PM Modi emphasised that India’s dynamism and the UK’s expertise create a unique synergy that underpins bilateral relations. “Our partnership is trustworthy, talent- and technology-driven,” he stated. The Prime Minister further noted that under Starmer’s leadership, India-UK relations have witnessed significant progress.

PM Modi recalled the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) signed between the two countries during his visit to London in July 2025, describing it as a landmark development in bilateral trade. He outlined that the agreement is expected to reduce import costs between India and the UK, generate employment opportunities for youth, and increase trade, benefiting both industries and consumers. “Your visit to India within just a few months of signing the Agreement, with the biggest business delegation ever accompanying you, is a symbol of the new vigour in India-UK partnership,” PM Modi added.

In the field of education, PM Modi announced that nine UK universities will open campuses in India. He highlighted that the Gurugram campus of the University of Southampton has already commenced operations, with the first batch of students enrolled.

PM Modi underlined the shared values that form the foundation of India-UK relations, including democracy, freedom, and rule of law. He emphasised that in the current era of global instability, the growing partnership between the two countries serves as a base for global stability and economic progress. The Prime Minister also confirmed that discussions during the meeting included key international issues such as the Indo-Pacific region, peace and stability in West Asia, and the Ukraine conflict. He stated that India supports all efforts for peace through dialogue and diplomacy, and reiterated a commitment to enhancing maritime security in the Indo-Pacific.

In defence cooperation, PM Modi highlighted a recently signed agreement on military training, under which Indian Air Force Flying Instructors will serve as trainers in the UK’s Royal Air Force. He noted that the collaboration is part of broader efforts to strengthen bilateral security and military expertise.

Further, the Prime Minister announced plans to establish an Industry Guild and Supply Chain Observatory to foster collaboration on critical minerals. The observatory will include a satellite campus at the Indian School of Mines in Dhanbad, Jharkhand, aimed at enhancing research and development in strategic sectors.

Earlier on Thursday, PM Modi and PM Starmer conducted a delegation-level meeting in Mumbai to discuss cooperation across trade, industry, education, and defence. During his visit, Starmer held a series of engagements with business leaders, describing the India-UK trade partnership as “really important”. He noted that his visit represents the return leg of Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the UK earlier this year and is accompanied by the largest-ever trade mission sent by the United Kingdom to India.

The joint efforts in trade, education, defence, and strategic cooperation mark a significant phase in India-UK relations, highlighting mutual trust and shared interests across economic, technological, and geopolitical domains.