India-UK Summit 2025: Modi and Keir Starmer Forge Landmark Partnership in Trade, Defence & Innovation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK's Prime Minister Keir Starmer held high-profile talks in Mumbai on October 9, 2025, marking a major new chapter in India-UK relations. Their meeting focused on boosting economic ties, advancing defence collaboration, and fostering technological innovation, building on landmark trade and strategic agreements signed earlier in July 2025.
Key Highlights of the Mumbai Meeting
The Mumbai summit featured keynote addresses at the Global Fintech Fest from both leaders, who reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Starmer led a large delegation of 125 top UK business, educational, and cultural leaders, stressing the future-focused “special” partnership and bringing some of Britain’s biggest companies and university leaders to India.
Economic, Trade & Investment Deals
The centerpiece of economic cooperation is the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), signed in July 2025, which aims to double bilateral trade from $56 billion to $100 billion by 2030.
Both leaders discussed increasing market access, supporting MSMEs, and generating youth employment on both sides, positioning the deal as a “roadmap for shared progress”.
India invited greater British investment, especially in fintech, manufacturing, and technology sectors, with several new UK investments unveiled during the visit.
Nine British universities will open campuses in India, marking a major leap in educational and academic cooperation.
Defence and Strategic Cooperation
The defence partnership was strengthened with a new $468 million (£350 million) UK-India missile deal. UK-made Lightweight Multirole Missiles (produced by Thales) will be supplied to the Indian Army, safeguarding 700 UK jobs and laying the foundation for deeper complex weapons partnerships.
Both governments agreed to collaborate on maritime electric propulsion systems for Indian naval vessels and expand joint training initiatives, including Indian Air Force instructors training with the UK Royal Air Force.
The leaders reiterated their commitment to robust maritime security, counter-terrorism, and combating violent extremism internationally and within the Indo-Pacific region.
Shared Values & Global Diplomacy
Modi and Starmer highlighted democracy, freedom, and rule of law as the bedrock of their countries' relationship.
They discussed peace in the Indo-Pacific, the Ukraine conflict, and the Gaza humanitarian situation, supporting dialogue and diplomacy for global stability.
Keir Starmer expressed support for India’s aspiration to a permanent seat in the UN Security Council and recognized India’s growing influence in the Commonwealth and G20.
Technology and Education
Beyond defence and trade, leaders announced new initiatives in advanced technology, AI, and digital innovation, fostering Indo-British cooperation through a Technology Security Initiative.
The opening of UK university campuses responds to booming Indian demand for world-class higher education, cementing Britain’s role as India’s leading international provider.
Human Interest and Leadership Quotes
PM Modi: “The foundation of our relationship is a shared belief in values such as democracy, freedom, and rule of law... The growing partnership is a crucial foundation for global stability and economic progress in the current era of global instability”.
PM Starmer: “India is a global player… we want to see India taking its rightful place on the UN Security Council. We are committed to deepening our strategic partnership”.
Summary
India and the UK are forging a future-focused partnership that is reshaping trade, defence, and innovation for the 21st century. With historic deals on economic cooperation, a new wave of UK investment and university campuses, and high-tech defence agreements, both nations are laying the groundwork for shared prosperity and security. The Mumbai summit sets the tone for a strategic alliance rooted in shared values, economic ambition, and diplomatic leadership, promising new opportunities for businesses, youth, and citizens across both countries.