Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to meet with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Mumbai on October 9, 2025, during Starmer's official two-day visit to India from October 8-9. This visit, made at the invitation of PM Modi, marks Starmer's first official trip to India since assuming office in July of the previous year.
The meeting aims to review the progress made under the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, aligning with the "Vision 2035," a ten-year roadmap focused on various initiatives. Key pillars of this roadmap include trade and investment, defense and security, technology and innovation, climate and energy, health, education, and fostering stronger people-to-people connections.
Both leaders are expected to discuss opportunities arising from the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), recognizing it as a central component of the future economic partnership between the two nations. They will also address regional and global issues of importance. Furthermore, both Modi and Starmer will participate in the Global Fintech Fest in Mumbai, where they will deliver keynote addresses and engage with industry experts, policymakers, and innovators.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has stated that the visit will build upon the momentum generated by PM Modi's visit to the UK in July 2025. During that visit, the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) was finalized, which is expected to come into effect next year. The MEA also added that this meeting serves as a valuable opportunity to reaffirm the shared vision of India and the United Kingdom in building a forward-looking partnership.
The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) is projected to boost two-way commerce by $35 billion in the long run, reducing tariffs on various goods and improving market access. The agreement is expected to increase market access for Indian textiles, footwear, gems, jewellery, seafood and engineering goods in the UK. It will also make UK-made products, such as medical devices and aerospace components, more accessible and affordable for Indian consumers and industries.
In 2023–24, India–UK bilateral trade crossed USD 55 billion. The UK is also India's sixth-largest investor, with cumulative investments of around USD 36 billion.
