UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will make his first official visit to India next week. The visit is scheduled from October 8 to October 9, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Saturday.
Purpose of the visit
Starmer’s trip aims to discuss a wide range of issues, including trade, technology, defence, security, and international finance.
He will also attend the Global Fintech Fest 2025 in Mumbai, highlighting the importance of financial and technological collaboration between India and the UK.
Building on the FTA
The visit follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s trip to the UK in July, when the India-UK free trade agreement (FTA) was signed. The agreement, currently under ratification, is expected to come into effect next year.
Once implemented, it could boost bilateral trade by $35 billion, reduce tariffs on goods such as textiles and whisky, and enhance market access.
Key agenda points
During the visit, the two leaders are expected to discuss:
- Implementation of the India-UK FTA and efforts to boost trade
- Vision 2035 strategy to strengthen cooperation in defence, technology, climate, and migration
- Defence Industrial Roadmap for closer collaboration on military hardware
- India’s campaign against terrorism and return of economic offenders wanted by India
- Activities of pro-Khalistan elements in the UK
- Impact of US policies on India-UK relations
Strategic significance
The visit comes at a time of global political and economic uncertainties. Strengthening India-UK ties in trade, defence, and technology is seen as a strategic move to navigate international challenges.
