Keir Starmer and Narendra Modi praise trade deal as UK secures new Indian investment

Keir Starmer and Narendra Modi, Mumbai, India, October 9, 2025
Reuters

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi, hailed their countries’ new trade deal during talks in Mumbai, with London unveiling £1.3 billion in new Indian investments and both leaders pledging deeper cooperation in technology and education.

Britain also said that it had signed a £350 million ($468 million) contract to supply the Indian army with Lightweight Multirole Missiles built in Northern Ireland, as part of a growing strategic partnership between the two countries.

Starmer, on a two-day visit to India, led the largest-ever British business delegation, with more than a hundred leaders from the business, culture, and university sectors.

The deal, signed in July, slashes tariffs on goods including textiles, whisky, and cars, and aims to increase two-way trade by £25.5 billion by 2040.

British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Indian Prime minister Narendra Modi hold a bilateral meeting at Raj Bhavan, in Mumbai, India 9 October, 2025
Reuters

Speaking after talks with Starmer, Modi said the visit “reflects the new energy and broad vision” in the UK–India partnership, adding that “India’s dynamism and the UK’s expertise create a unique synergy.”

Starmer said the focus of his visit was to double down on the trade deal’s potential, noting that it will create thousands of high-skilled jobs once it takes effect next year.

He also backed India’s bid for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi attend the India-UK CEO Forum at Jio World Convention Centre on 9 October, 2025 in Mumbai, India
Reuters

Earlier, Starmer’s office confirmed that 64 Indian firms would invest £1.3 billion in Britain. The leaders also identified technology, education, artificial intelligence (AI), defence, and clean energy as key areas of cooperation.

Starmer and Modi will participate in a financial technology conference before the British leader departs for London later on Thursday (09 October).

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