Prime Minister Narendra Modi met his British counterpart, Keir Starmer, on Thursday in Mumbai, marking a key moment in the strengthening of India-UK relations. The meeting took place as part of Starmer’s first official visit to India since assuming office, with the two leaders exchanging warm greetings and reaffirming their commitment to advancing cooperation across economic, cultural, and strategic areas.

Starmer, who arrived in India earlier this week, described the India-UK partnership as a “really important” one with immense potential for both nations. His visit comes just months after Prime Minister Modi’s trip to the United Kingdom earlier this year, when the landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the two countries was signed.

Expanding Trade Partnership

Speaking at an interaction with leading Indian business figures in Mumbai on Wednesday, Prime Minister Starmer said the ongoing trade mission was “the biggest the United Kingdom has ever sent to India.” He called it a sign of how seriously London views its economic engagement with New Delhi.

Starmer noted that this visit represents the “return leg” of Modi’s earlier trip and said that the newly signed FTA symbolises the mutual trust both nations have built over the years. The deal, completed in July 2024, is projected to boost bilateral trade by nearly £25.5 billion annually, making it one of the largest agreements either nation has entered into.

“It’s the biggest deal we’ve struck since leaving the European Union,” Starmer stated, emphasising its transformative potential for British and Indian businesses alike. He added that the FTA opens new avenues for job creation, innovation, and investment in critical sectors such as technology, renewable energy, and manufacturing.

Closer Investment and Cultural Links

During his visit, Starmer announced that three major Yash Raj Films (YRF) productions would be shot across locations in the United Kingdom starting in 2026. The British High Commission said the decision reflects the UK’s growing popularity as a filming destination for Indian cinema and is expected to enhance tourism and cultural exchange between the two countries.

The British Prime Minister also participated in Diwali celebrations in Mumbai, lighting traditional diyas as a gesture of friendship and shared heritage. His act resonated with the city’s festive spirit and underscored the deep-rooted cultural ties that connect the two democracies.

Later in the day, Starmer met with football fans and expressed his appreciation for the way sports, particularly football, unite communities. He highlighted the Premier League’s training initiatives that have been instrumental in nurturing young football talent across India.

Building on a Growing Strategic Bond

Starmer’s trip follows Prime Minister Modi’s successful visit to the United Kingdom in July, where both governments had confirmed nearly £6 billion in new investment and export commitments. The latest interactions are seen as a continuation of that momentum, aiming to cement the India-UK relationship as one based on shared prosperity and global cooperation.

Officials from both sides said the new trade pact and ongoing investment efforts are expected to generate significant economic benefits, while exchanges in education, film, and sports add a people-to-people dimension to the partnership.

As both nations look towards a future of deeper engagement, the meeting between Modi and Starmer in Mumbai has set a positive tone, reflecting not just a shared policy commitment but also a friendship rooted in mutual respect and opportunity.

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