Prime Minister Narendra Modi met British Prime Minister Keir Starmer during the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, marking their first official interaction since Starmer assumed office. The meeting was held on the sidelines of the summit and focused on strengthening bilateral ties, advancing trade relations, and addressing key issues of mutual interest.
A significant outcome of the meeting was the announcement from Starmer’s office at 10 Downing Street that UK-India trade negotiations will resume in the new year. This decision underscores the shared commitment of both nations to finalize a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that can drive economic growth and enhance their strategic partnership. The Indian Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) also expressed confidence in the ability of their negotiating teams to address the remaining issues, paving the way for a balanced and mutually beneficial agreement.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Modi congratulated Starmer on his assumption of office. In turn, Starmer extended his congratulations to Modi on his historic third term as Prime Minister. This exchange set a tone of mutual respect and collaboration, reflecting the warm rapport between the two leaders.
Both leaders expressed satisfaction with the progress made in the India-UK relationship in recent years and reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This partnership spans multiple areas, including trade, technology, green finance, research and innovation, and people-to-people connections. Discussions also covered global and regional issues of significance, demonstrating the breadth of the strategic alignment between the two nations.
Recognizing the growing economic and cultural ties between India and the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Modi announced the establishment of two new Indian Consulates General in Belfast and Manchester. This move is expected to enhance consular support for the Indian diaspora in the UK, further strengthening bilateral relations. Starmer welcomed this announcement, acknowledging its potential to deepen ties and better serve the needs of the Indian community residing in the UK.
Another critical issue discussed was the importance of addressing economic offenders from India residing in the UK. Prime Minister Modi emphasized the need to resolve such matters to foster trust and transparency in bilateral relations. The two leaders also discussed the importance of advancing cooperation on migration and mobility, highlighting the need for balanced policies that benefit both nations.
The leaders directed their respective Ministers and senior officials to prioritize the implementation of existing understandings under the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. They emphasized the importance of continued dialogue and frequent engagement to sustain momentum in the bilateral relationship. These measures are expected to ensure that the partnership remains dynamic and adaptive to emerging opportunities and challenges.
From the UK perspective, Downing Street reiterated its commitment to negotiating a trade deal with India, recognizing the nation as one of the fastest-growing economies globally. The UK government highlighted that boosting trade abroad is essential for maintaining a strong domestic economy. This sentiment reflects the UK’s strategic approach to building deeper ties with India, not only in trade but also in areas such as security, education, technology, and climate change.
The renewed focus on trade relations comes at a time when both countries are exploring opportunities to drive economic growth through strategic partnerships. A comprehensive trade agreement with India offers the UK significant potential to expand its access to a vast and rapidly growing market. Conversely, for India, an FTA with the UK represents an opportunity to boost exports, attract foreign investment, and strengthen its position in global trade.
The environment and sustainable development also featured prominently in the discussions, with both leaders emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing climate change. Green finance and innovation in sustainable technologies were identified as key areas where the two nations can work together to achieve mutual and global goals. Such cooperation aligns with both countries’ commitments to a greener, more sustainable future.
The meeting also highlighted the importance of fostering people-to-people connections, which have been a cornerstone of the India-UK relationship. The large and vibrant Indian diaspora in the UK plays a crucial role in strengthening cultural and economic ties between the two nations. The announcement of new Indian consulates in Belfast and Manchester is expected to further enhance these connections, providing better services to Indian citizens and creating more opportunities for cultural exchange.
Beyond trade and cultural ties, the leaders discussed enhancing cooperation in emerging technologies, research, and innovation. Both countries are global leaders in these fields, and greater collaboration could yield significant advancements with wide-reaching implications. For the UK, a partnership with India in these sectors aligns with its goals to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving global landscape. For India, it offers an opportunity to leverage its growing technological prowess on the world stage.
Security and regional stability were also topics of discussion. As global powers with shared interests in maintaining peace and security, India and the UK recognize the importance of working together to address common challenges. Their collaboration in these areas underscores a comprehensive approach to partnership that includes both traditional and emerging priorities.
Prime Minister Modi’s emphasis on tackling economic offenders and migration issues reflects the practical approach of the discussions. Addressing such challenges is critical to building a relationship based on trust, fairness, and mutual benefit. The focus on these issues highlights the commitment of both leaders to strengthening bilateral ties while addressing areas of potential friction.
The announcement to resume FTA negotiations represents a significant step forward in the India-UK relationship. Both leaders expressed optimism about the ability of their respective teams to resolve outstanding issues and finalize an agreement that benefits both nations. This progress demonstrates the shared vision of Modi and Starmer to enhance economic and strategic cooperation.
The meeting in Rio de Janeiro marked a pivotal moment in the India-UK partnership. As both nations prepare to relaunch trade talks and deepen their engagement in areas such as technology, education, and sustainability, the discussions reflect a shared commitment to building a robust and forward-looking relationship. Through continued dialogue and collaboration, India and the UK aim to unlock the full potential of their partnership, delivering tangible benefits to their citizens and contributing to global progress and stability.
