India and the United Kingdom have agreed to expand cooperation in trade, defence, technology, and education, following talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Mumbai.
The two leaders met on Thursday at Raj Bhawan, where they were joined by a high-level UK delegation comprising ministers, business leaders, university heads, and cultural figures. This marks Prime Minister Starmer’s first official visit to India since taking office, and comes just months after the signing of the India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) in July.
The joint statement issued after the talks said, “The Prime Ministers expressed satisfaction at the upward trajectory of the India–UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and reaffirmed common commitment to global peace, stability, and a rules-based international order.”
Both leaders addressed the India–UK CEO Forum and the Global FinTech Festival 2025, where they encouraged deeper private sector partnerships in areas such as financial services, artificial intelligence, and clean energy.
Technology And Innovation
The two governments will push the India–UK Technology Security Initiative, which includes establishing joint AI research centres and connectivity hubs aimed at linking young innovators across both countries.
They also announced the launch of a Climate Technology Startup Fund and the India–UK Offshore Wind Task Force, signalling greater cooperation in clean energy and climate-focused innovation.
‘These steps will connect the UK’s industrial expertise with India’s talent and scale,’ said Modi. ‘We are also working together on critical minerals through the establishment of an Industry Guild and Supply Chain Observatory.’
Education And Skills
The two leaders highlighted growing cooperation in education and skills development. Nine UK universities now have campuses operational or under development in India, including the newly inaugurated Southampton University campus in Gurugram. More campuses, including those of Lancaster and Surrey, have recently been approved.
Starmer called this development “a win for both sides,” adding, “I am delighted that more Indian students will be able to benefit from a world-class British education in the near future.”
Defence Cooperation
New agreements were reached on co-production, military training, and maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. Indian Air Force instructors will now work with the UK’s Royal Air Force as trainers, building interoperability between the two air forces.
Referring to the broader regional context, Modi said: ‘We are fully committed to enhancing maritime security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.”
The two sides also reiterated their support for a peaceful resolution to the war in Ukraine and endorsed diplomatic efforts for stability in Gaza and the Middle East.
“We support a just and lasting peace through dialogue and diplomacy,” Modi said. The leaders backed efforts for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid delivery in Gaza, as noted in their joint statement.
Reformed Multilateralism
In their joint declaration, both sides committed to working together on “reformed multilateralism,” including long-standing calls for changes to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
“India is a global player,” Starmer said. “We want to see India taking its rightful place in the UNSC.”
The UK reiterated its support for India’s aspiration for a permanent seat on a reformed Security Council.
The visit reflected what Modi described as “new energy” in the India–UK relationship.
““India’s dynamism and UK’s expertise create a unique synergy, talent and technology-driven, that builds a bright future for the people of both nations,” he said.
The joint statement concluded: “The leaders expressed satisfaction at the strengthening of bilateral ties across a broad spectrum. They welcomed the growing people-to-people links and agreed to continue to work together to realise the full potential of the India–UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.”
