Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday hosted UK PM Keir Starmer at a cultural event in Mumbai, highlighting growing India–UK ties. Modi shared a video from the event on X featuring a soulful rendition of Sapphire — the collaboration between Arijit Singh and Ed Sheeran — calling it “a great example of India–UK cultural partnership.” “Wonderful rendition of Ed Sheeran & Arijit Singh's Sapphire, which is a great example of India–UK cultural partnership!” Modi wrote, posting the clip on X. Wonderful rendition of Ed Sheeran & Arijit Singh’s Sapphire, which is a great example of India-UK cultural partnership! pic.twitter.com/aLtx5WyiXT — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 9, 2025 In the one-minute clip, Prime Minister Modi and Keir Starmer are seen enjoying a live stage performance featuring a unique rendition of Sapphire. The musical piece blends Indian classical elements — including the sitar and tabla — with contemporary rhythms, creating a distinctive fusion. The two leaders met earlier in the day to discuss strengthening the India–UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership under the Vision 2035 roadmap. Starmer’s visit aims to boost cooperation in trade, investment, defence, climate, technology, and education, and includes participation in the CEO Forum and the Global Fintech Fest 2025. In his address, Starmer hailed the signing of the UK–India Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement as a “breakthrough moment,” saying it would lower tariffs, expand market access, and generate new jobs in both countries. Speaking in Mumbai, Starmer highlighted the symbolism of meeting in India’s financial capital, calling the country’s economic rise “remarkable” and praising PM Modi’s leadership and ambition for India to become the world’s third-largest economy by 2028. “We are forging a new, forward-looking partnership focused on the future and the opportunities it brings — and we’re doing it together,” he said. Both leaders also jointly condemned the Pahalgam terror attack “in the strongest terms” and reaffirmed their commitment to intensify cooperation against globally designated terrorist groups, their affiliates, and sponsors, pledging “decisive and concerted” action. Starmer, who arrived in Mumbai on Wednesday, began his India trip with a visit to the iconic Yash Raj Films studio in Andheri. Bollywood star Rani Mukerji welcomed him at the studio, where he attended a private screening alongside YRF head Aditya Chopra and CEO Akshaye Widhani.
