In a significant boost to bilateral ties, Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi met his British counterpart, Rt. Hon. Sir Keir Starmer, at Chequers in Buckinghamshire on July 24, 2025, as part of his official visit to the United Kingdom.
The two leaders welcomed the signing of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), which marks a new chapter in India-UK relations. CETA is expected to significantly enhance bilateral trade, investment, economic collaborations, and job creation in both economies. The agreement also aims to promote competitiveness and reduce the cost of doing business for commercial entities.
During their meeting, Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Starmer agreed to negotiate a Double Contribution Convention, which will facilitate professionals and service industry professionals in both countries by promoting competitiveness and reducing costs. They also discussed collaboration between India’s GIFT City and the UK’s vibrant financial ecosystem.
The two leaders reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral relations and adopted the India-UK Vision 2035, a document aimed at infusing greater ambition and renewed momentum in the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership over the next ten years. The vision focuses on key areas such as economy and growth, technology, innovation, research, education, defence, security, climate action, health, and people-to-people ties.
The two countries also finalized a Defence Industrial Roadmap to promote collaboration in co-design, co-development, and co-production of defence products. They welcomed the regular engagement of armed forces from both countries and expressed satisfaction at the deepening defence and security partnership.
A key focus area for cooperation was new and emerging technologies, where the two leaders called for accelerated implementation of the Technology and Security Initiative (TSI). The TSI focuses on areas such as telecom, critical minerals, AI, biotechnology, health technology, semiconductors, advanced materials, and quantum. The initiative completed its one-year mark today.
The two Prime Ministers also welcomed the growing partnership between India and the UK in the education sector, with six UK universities working to open campuses in India under the New Education Policy (NEP). Southampton University’s campus in Gurugram is the first foreign university to open its campus in India under the NEP.
Both sides acknowledged the valuable contribution of the Indian diaspora in the UK across various sectors. They agreed that this living bridge is a key pillar of growth and development in India-UK relations.
The two leaders also exchanged views on global and regional issues, including developments in the Indo-Pacific, West Asia, and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Prime Minister Modi thanked Prime Minister Starmer for his strong support and solidarity extended to the people of India following the Pahalgam terror attack.
In conclusion, the meeting between Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and British Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Sir Keir Starmer marks a significant milestone in India-UK relations. The historic agreements and collaborations signed during the visit are expected to have far-reaching implications for both countries and the world at large.
Agreements Signed During the Visit
- Covering Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA)
- India-UK Vision 2035
- Defence Industrial Roadmap
- Statement on Technology and Security Initiative
- Memo of Understanding between Central Bureau of Investigation, India, and National Crime Agency of UK
Facts at a Glance
Date: July 24, 2025
Location: Chequers, Buckinghamshire
Duration: One day
Key Agreements: Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), India-UK Vision 2035, Defence Industrial Roadmap, Statement on Technology and Security Initiative