Underlining that India and the UK are natural partners, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday that the “growing partnership” between the two countries is emerging as a crucial foundation for “global stability and economic progress in the current era of global instability”—in an oblique reference to the US administration’s unpredictability in recent months since President Donald Trump assumed office.
With British Prime Minister Keir Starmer by his side in Mumbai, Modi said, “The foundation of our relationship is a shared belief in values such as democracy, freedom, and the rule of law…We shared views on peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific and West Asia, as well as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. On the Ukraine conflict and the Gaza issue, India supports all efforts to restore peace through dialogue and diplomacy.”
Starmer also welcomed the deal on the first stage of the peace plan in Gaza. “This is a moment of profound relief that we felt around the world, but particularly for the hostages, their families, and for the civilian population of Gaza, who have all endured unimaginable suffering over the last two years. I am grateful for the tireless diplomatic efforts of Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, United States,” he said, calling upon the immediate lifting of all restrictions on life-saving humanitarian aid.
Modi and Starmer held bilateral talks in Mumbai on Thursday during the latter’s first visit to India after assuming charge as Prime Minister. Starmer is leading a trade mission with a 126-member delegation comprising business, academic and cultural leaders from the UK.
Stating that “India is a global player”, Starmer said, “We sit together in the Commonwealth, the G20, and we want to see India taking its rightful place on the UN Security Council too. So we are committed to strengthening our strategic partnership.”
PM Narendra Modi with UK PM Keir Starmer in Mumbai. (PTI)
Calling the India-UK economic relations the “jewel in the crown”, Starmer said, “We want to be partners. That journey and my visit this week are about doubling down on the potential of our trade deal for the benefit of all of us.” The two countries signed a trade deal in July.
“So, I brought a record 126 British businesses with me to India this week; we had to get a bigger plane to travel over here than the one we planned, but this delegation has some of our biggest, most iconic businesses, and smaller and medium sized businesses, but also leaders from education,” the British PM said.
“As global leaders in tech and innovation, we have also taken the opportunity to deepen our cooperation through our technology security initiative, with new commitments on AI, advanced communication, and defence technologies,” he added.
Military training deal and 9 new university campuses
Modi underlined one of the defence outcomes of the visit. “We have reached an agreement on cooperation in military training. Under this, flying instructors of the Indian Air Force will work as trainers in the UK’s Royal Air Force,” he said.
Nine UK universities, Modi added, have decided to open their campuses in India. “It is a matter of great joy that now nine universities from the UK are going to open campuses in India. The Gurugram campus of Southampton University was recently inaugurated, and the first group of students has also taken admission,” he said.
Starmer said that “the demand for the best quality higher education is very high, so I am really pleased that we are announcing today that all British universities will be setting up campuses right here.”
PM Modi affirmed India’s commitment to enhancing maritime security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region and also announced setting up an Industry Guild and Supply Chain Observatory for cooperation on critical minerals. “Its satellite campus will be at ISM Dhanbad,” he said.
Stating that the “dynamism of India and the expertise of the UK together create a unique synergy,” he said, “Our partnership is trustworthy, driven by talent and technology.”
Massive trade delegation from the UK
Starmer’s 125-member delegation—the UK’s largest ever trade delegation to India—includes his country’s leading CEOs, entrepreneurs, university vice-chancellors and heads of cultural institutions. Top executives of major companies such as Rolls-Royce, British Telecom, Diageo, London Stock Exchange and British Airways are part of the group.
Starmer, who also visited the Yash Raj Films Studio on Wednesday, said three new Bollywood films will be made in the UK from next year. Meanwhile, British Airways announced that it would introduce a third daily flight between Delhi and London Heathrow in 2026. Manchester Airport will also launch a new direct route to Delhi operated by IndiGo, adding to its existing Mumbai service and making it the only UK airport outside London with connections to both cities.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, Starmer and Modi will also attend the India-UK CEO Forum and the Global Fintech Fest on Thursday.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, left is greeted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his arrival at Raj Bhavan in Mumbai (AP) 
PM Narendra Modi with UK PM Keir Starmer in Mumbai. (PTI)
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