Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, will undertake a two-day visit to India starting October 8 at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Saturday.
### First Official Visit to India
This will be Prime Minister Starmer’s first official visit to India.
### Focus on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
According to the MEA, during the visit on October 9 in Mumbai, the two Prime Ministers will review progress across various dimensions of the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership aligned with ‘Vision 2035’. This is a focused and time-bound 10-year roadmap encompassing key pillars such as trade and investment, technology and innovation, defence and security, climate and energy, health, education, and people-to-people relations.
### Trade and Global Cooperation Talks
“Both leaders will engage with businesses and industry leaders on opportunities presented by the India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), a central pillar of the future India–UK economic partnership. They will also exchange views on issues of regional and global importance,” stated the MEA.
### Participation in Global Fintech Fest
Prime Minister Modi and Starmer will attend the 6th edition of the Global Fintech Fest in Mumbai, where they will deliver keynote addresses. The leaders will engage with industry experts, policymakers, and innovators on the sidelines of the event.
### Strengthening Bilateral Ties
“The visit will build on the momentum and substance generated by Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the UK on July 23–24, 2025. It will provide a valuable opportunity to reaffirm the shared vision of India and the United Kingdom to build a forward-looking partnership,” the MEA added.
### Previous High-Level Meetings
PM Modi and Starmer previously met at the UK Prime Minister’s country residence at Chequers in Buckinghamshire. The meeting involved one-on-one discussions as well as delegation-level talks.
### Historic CETA Agreement
During that meeting, the leaders welcomed the signing of the historic India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), which elevated the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to a new level. The agreement significantly enhances bilateral trade, investment, economic collaborations, and job creation in both countries.
### Double Contribution Convention
The two sides also agreed to negotiate a Double Contribution Convention, which came into effect alongside CETA. This convention facilitates professionals and the service industry in both countries by promoting competitiveness and reducing business costs for commercial entities.
### Financial Sector Collaboration
Recognizing the growing collaboration in capital markets and financial services, Prime Minister Modi highlighted in July the potential for greater interaction between GIFT City in Gujarat—India’s first international financial services centre—and the UK’s vibrant financial ecosystem.
### Defence and Security Cooperation
The leaders welcomed the finalization of a Defence Industrial Roadmap aimed at promoting collaboration in co-design, co-development, and co-production of defence products to meet growing demand in both countries and globally. They also expressed satisfaction at the deepening defence and security partnership, including regular engagement between the armed forces of India and the UK.
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