Mumbai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday described India and the UK as “natural partners,” saying their growing partnership has become a key pillar of global stability and economic progress.
Following wide-ranging talks with visiting British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Modi said the India-UK relationship is rooted in shared values of democracy, freedom, and the rule of law.
In a joint press briefing, Starmer called the India-UK relationship “special,” adding, “We are creating a new, modern partnership focused on the future.” He also praised India’s economic growth as “remarkable.”
Modi announced that the two nations have reached an agreement on cooperation in military training and reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening maritime security collaboration in the Indo-Pacific.
On global issues, Modi reiterated that India supports all efforts to restore peace in Ukraine and Gaza through dialogue and diplomacy.
The leaders’ discussions primarily focused on trade, defence, security, and critical technology cooperation.
Starmer, leading a delegation of 125 top British business leaders, entrepreneurs, and educationists, arrived in Mumbai on Wednesday for a two-day visit.
His trip follows the signing of a landmark India-UK free trade agreement two and a half months ago, which aims to expand market access, reduce tariffs, and double bilateral trade by 2030. The pact was finalized during Modi’s visit to London in July.
