PM Modi, UK PM Starmer discuss trade, defence, technology ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday held wide-ranging discussions with his British counterpart Keir Starmer in Mumbai, focusing on strengthening India-UK cooperation in trade, defence, security, and critical technologies. The meeting marks the first engagement between the two leaders following the historic India-UK free trade agreement signed in July 2025.Starmer arrived in Mumbai on Wednesday morning for a two-day visit, accompanied by a 125-member delegation of leading British business leaders, entrepreneurs, and educationists. The visit comes two and a half months after the trade pact, which aims to expand market access, reduce tariffs, and is expected to double bilateral trade by 2030.
In his remarks, Starmer described the trade agreement as a “launchpad” for bilateral growth, highlighting India’s projected rise as the world’s third-largest economy by 2028. “We signed a major trade deal with India in July the best secured by any country but the story doesn’t stop there. It’s not just a piece of paper, it’s a launchpad for growth. With India set to be the third biggest economy in the world by 2028, and trade with them about to become quicker and cheaper, the opportunities waiting to be seized are unparalleled,” he said.

#WATCH | Mumbai: UK PM Keir Starmer says, "It is significant that we are meeting in Mumbai as India's economic and financial capital, because India's growth story is remarkable. I want to congratulate the PM on his leadership, aiming to be the world's 3rd largest economy by 2028.… pic.twitter.com/TMIRpigg36

— ANI (@ANI) October 9, 2025

During the discussions, India reportedly raised concerns over the activities of certain pro-Khalistan groups operating from the UK and reiterated its request for the extradition of fugitive businessmen, including Vijay Mallya and Nirav Modi.The bilateral talks also celebrated the deepening strategic and commercial ties between the two countries, with both leaders expected to announce further investment initiatives. Earlier, the UK Prime Minister’s office had highlighted that 64 Indian companies are set to invest 1.3 billion pounds ($1.75 billion) in the UK as part of the largest-ever British trade mission to India, involving over 100 companies and organisations.The meeting underscores the growing partnership between India and the UK in critical sectors, including technology, trade, and security, as both nations seek to enhance collaboration in the post-trade agreement era.