Mumbai: India and the UK agreed to deepen bilateral cooperation in several areas of mutual interest after talks between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his British counterpart Keir Starmer in Mumbai. In a joint press statement after the talks, Modi said under PM Starmer's leadership, India-UK relations have made significant progress.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Modi emphasized that the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), signed during his UK visit in July, will reduce import costs, create new employment opportunities for youth, boost trade, and benefit both industries and consumers. "Your visit to India along with the largest-ever business delegation, just months after the Agreement, reflects the new energy and broad vision driving the India-UK partnership," Modi said. The Indian PM added that the relations between the two countries are built on the shared values of democracy, freedom, and the rule of law.
Modi highlighted the importance of the growing partnership between India and the UK in the context of global uncertainty, noting its role as an important pillar of global stability and economic progress. Both sides discussed key geopolitical issues, including the Indo-Pacific, peace and stability in the Middle East, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
On international matters, Modi expressed India's support for efforts to restore peace through dialogue and diplomacy in the Ukraine conflict and Gaza. He also emphasized the commitment to enhancing maritime security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region and the potential in the technology partnership between India and the UK. Modi noted the shared commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals.
Education emerged as a significant area of cooperation, with Modi stating that PM Starmer's delegation included the largest and most influential group from the education sector to date. He welcomed the establishment of campuses by several UK universities in India, signifying increasing collaboration in education.
Defense cooperation has also seen advancements, with both countries moving towards defense co-production and connecting their defense industries. A new agreement for cooperation in military training was signed, further deepening the defense collaboration between the two nations.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the significance of the meeting and the future-focused agenda of his visit. He described the UK-India Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement as a breakthrough moment, highlighting its potential to drive growth and create jobs by reducing tariffs and increasing market access.
Starmer also welcomed progress on the Gaza peace plan, expressing relief at the agreement on the first stage. He called for the full and immediate implementation of the agreement and the lifting of restrictions on humanitarian aid to Gaza. The UK pledged support for the immediate steps and future stages of the peace talks to ensure the plan's full implementation.