New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended a warm welcome to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Wednesday, describing the UK leader’s first official trip to India as a “historic” moment in the two nations’ relationship.
Starmer landed in Mumbai earlier in the day for a two-day visit, accompanied by what officials say is the largest-ever UK business delegation to India — a group of 125 top business executives, innovators, and university leaders.
A New Chapter in India-UK Ties
Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi wrote: “Welcome Prime Minister Keir Starmer on your historic first visit to India with the largest-ever business delegation from the UK. I look forward to our meeting tomorrow to advance our shared vision of a strong, mutually prosperous future.”
The visit marks a significant diplomatic and economic milestone as both countries aim to deepen bilateral cooperation across trade, technology, education, and climate action. Talks are expected to include discussions on the long-awaited India-UK Free Trade Agreement, which has seen multiple rounds of negotiations in recent years.
Starmer’s Economic Push
The British Prime Minister’s focus on this trip appears firmly rooted in strengthening economic ties. The delegation accompanying him includes CEOs of leading UK firms, heads of top British universities, and representatives from sectors like technology, finance, healthcare, and clean energy.
Ahead of his arrival, Starmer expressed optimism about enhancing the UK-India partnership, calling India “an indispensable partner” in areas ranging from economic growth to global security.
Mumbai Meetings Begin
Shortly after landing, Starmer met with Indian industry leaders and UK business representatives operating in India. He is expected to hold high-level meetings in Mumbai before travelling to New Delhi, where formal talks with Prime Minister Modi and other Indian officials are scheduled.
Sources from both governments have indicated that the visit is likely to yield fresh investment announcements and renewed strategic agreements, particularly in the areas of education collaboration, green technology, and digital infrastructure.
Building on Shared History
India and the United Kingdom share a long-standing relationship shaped by history, people-to-people connections, and economic cooperation. With the UK under new leadership, this visit is being viewed as an opportunity to reset and revitalise ties amid shifting global dynamics.
This trip also comes at a time when both countries are navigating complex geopolitical environments and looking to diversify trade partnerships in the face of global economic uncertainty.
