India, UK eye trade and tech boost as PM Keir Starmer begins first official visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday welcomed the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (UK), Keir Starmer, on his first official visit to India. Starmer is accompanied by what is described as the largest trade delegation ever sent from the UK.

The visit comes months after India and the UK signed a trade deal, which is expected to be implemented “as soon as humanly possible” in the words of Starmer.

The visit also assumes significance in view of the major geopolitical shifts being witnessed due to Donald Trump’s diktats on tariffs and trade which have sent the majority of countries into a diplomatic and economic tizzy.”It’s not just a piece of paper, it’s a launchpad for growth. With India set to be the third biggest economy in the world by 2028, and trade with them about to become quicker and cheaper, the opportunities waiting to be seized are unparalleled,” he said.Focus on bilateral ties

In a post on X, Prime Minister Modi said he looks forward to discussions with his British counterpart aimed at advancing cooperation between the two nations.

Prime Minister Modi wrote: “Welcome Prime Minister Keir Starmer on your historic first visit to India with the largest ever trade delegation from the UK. Looking forward to our meeting tomorrow for advancing our shared vision of a stronger, mutually prosperous future. @Keir_Starmer”

https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1975814533475410228

The visit is expected to focus on strengthening trade and economic relations between India and the United Kingdom.

On Thursday, Modi and Starmer will deliver keynote addresses at the Global Fintech Fest in Mumbai and engage with business leaders, according to a government press release.

The leaders will also take stock of the India-UK relationship, guided by ‘Vision 2035’, a ten-year roadmap spanning a range of dimensions — from trade and climate to education, technology and people-to-people ties.

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