In a joint statement with United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the growing strength of India-UK ties, noting significant progress in bilateral relations. PM Modi recalled his visit to the United Kingdom in July, during which both nations had signed the historic Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), marking a major milestone in economic cooperation.

PM Modi hails ‘Significant Progress’ in Bilateral ties post CETA

Highlighting the strengthened India-UK ties, PM Modi said, “Under the leadership of PM Starmer, India and UK relations have seen significant progress. In July this, during my visit to UK, we signed the historic Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).” PM Modi also emphasised the transformative impact of the CETA, stating that it would reduce import costs between India and the UK, boost trade, create new employment opportunities for youth, and benefit both industries and consumers.

PM Modi calls Starmer’s visit symbol of the new vigour

Focusing the momentum in bilateral ties, PM Modi also welcomed UK PM Starmer’s visit to India. He noted that his arrival with the largest-ever UK business delegation reflects the renewed energy and commitment in the India-UK partnership.

“With this Agreement, (Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement), the import cost between the two countries will come down, new employment opportunities will be generated for the youth, trade will increase and this will benefit our industries and consumers. Your visit to India within just a few months of signing the Agreement, with the biggest business delegation ever accompanying you, is a symbol of the new vigour in India-UK partnership,” PM Modi stated.

UK PM hails ‘New modern partnership’

UK PM also described the evolving India-UK relationship as a “new modern partnership” focused on the future and shared opportunities. Reflecting on the CETA signed in July, Starmer called it a “breakthrough moment” that had been years in the making. He highlighted how the agreement would slash tariffs, increase market access, and drive growth and job creation in both countries. “We are building something here, we are creating a new modern partnership focused on the future and availing the opportunities and we are doing it together. That is why we struck the UK-India Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) in July, a breakthrough moment – years in the making, slashing tariffs, increasing access to each other’s markets to drive growth and create jobs for our people and making life in both our nations,” Starmer stated.

Conclusion

UK PM Keir Starmer is on his historic first visit to India, accompanied by the largest-ever trade delegation from the UK. He arrived in India on Wednesday, October 8. Earlier in the day, the two leaders held delegation-level meeting in Mumbai. Both Prime Ministers will attend the CEO Forum at Jio World Centre and the 6th edition of the Global Fintech Fest later in the day.