New Delhi |Oct 08, 2025 | www.externalaffairs.in
In a significant step toward strengthening bilateral relations, British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will undertake his first official visit to India on October 8–9, 2025, at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The visit marks a key milestone in the ongoing evolution of the India–UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing global economic and geopolitical landscape.
A Landmark Visit in a New Political Era
This visit — Starmer’s first since taking office — comes less than three months after Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the United Kingdom in July 2025, which laid the groundwork for renewed engagement between New Delhi and London. The two leaders are expected to review progress on “Vision 2035,” a ten-year, time-bound roadmap designed to deepen cooperation across critical areas including trade, technology, defence, climate, health, and education.
“Vision 2035” was conceived to move beyond t
raditional diplomacy and create sustainable, people-centric ties that align with the aspirations of both nations in a post-Brexit, multipolar world.
CETA: The Cornerstone of Future Economic Cooperation
At the heart of the bilateral agenda will be the India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), currently in advanced stages of negotiation. Both sides view CETA as a central pillar of future economic cooperation, expected to unlock billions in trade and investment opportunities.
Prime Ministers Modi and Starmer will hold a business roundtable with industry leaders from both nations in Mumbai on October 9. Discussions will center around expanding collaboration in emerging sectors such as financial technology, green energy, and digital innovation — areas where India’s digital infrastructure and the UK’s financial expertise are seen as complementary strengths.
Experts anticipate that the visit could fast-track negotiations on tariff reductions, market access for services, and technology transfer — longstanding sticking points in the trade talks.
Spotlight on Global Fintech Fest 2025
Both Prime Ministers are scheduled to attend the 6th edition of the Global Fintech Fest (GFF) in Mumbai, where they will deliver keynote addresses and interact with industry innovators, policymakers, and technology entrepreneurs.
The GFF has grown into one of the world’s premier fintech platforms, showcasing how India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) — including UPI, Aadhaar, and ONDC — is transforming global finance. The UK, home to one of the world’s largest financial centers, has expressed interest in leveraging India’s fintech ecosystem to enhance digital inclusion and regulatory innovation.
Observers see this engagement as an opportunity for both sides to forge joint frameworks on cybersecurity, digital banking standards, and cross-border payment systems.
Strategic and Security Dialogue
Beyond economics, the two leaders will also discuss regional and global issues, including Indo-Pacific security, counterterrorism cooperation, energy transition, and climate resilience.
Defence and security ties have gained renewed significance in the face of rising global uncertainties. The UK remains a key partner in India’s defence modernization and maritime cooperation, with both nations sharing common goals of ensuring freedom of navigation, regional stability, and resilient supply chains.
With the UK’s recent Indo-Pacific “tilt” and India’s emergence as a key player in global diplomacy — particularly within the G20 and Global South frameworks — this dialogue is expected to align strategic perspectives on major geopolitical challenges, from the South China Sea to the Middle East.
People-to-People and Educational Ties
The India–UK relationship has always been bolstered by deep cultural and educational exchanges, with over 700,000 people of Indian origin residing in the United Kingdom. The leaders are likely to review initiatives in education mobility, skills development, and mutual recognition of qualifications, expanding opportunities for youth on both sides.
With growing Indian investment in the UK and British universities opening research collaborations in India, the two nations are also expected to announce new programs in innovation and higher education.
A Partnership for a New Global Order
This visit follows a period of diplomatic recalibration for both countries — the UK redefining its global role post-Brexit, and India emerging as a voice of the Global South and a hub for technological and economic growth.
Officials in both capitals have described the upcoming meeting as “a visit of substance and symbolism” — aimed at reaffirming trust, refreshing priorities, and reimagining a partnership for a new era.
As one senior diplomat noted, “The India–UK relationship is no longer just historical — it’s strategic, forward-looking, and deeply economic. Both nations are aligning to shape the global rules of the future.”
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