India-UK partnership will be enduring symbol of global relations, says PM Modi at a joint address with Keir Starmer

PM Modi and his British counterpart.

Addressing a joint presser, moments after the successful conclusion of the meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated that India- United Kingdom relation will be an enduring symbol of global relations. In a reference to the trade ties, PM Modi said the successful conclusion of the important trade agreements will take the relationship to a new level.

Speaking about the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, PM Modi added: "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."

"India and UK are natural partners. Mutual trust in values like democracy, freedom and rule of law lies in the foundation of our relations. In the current era of global instability, this growing partnership between India and UK has been an important base for global stability and economic progress," added the Prime Minister.

Congratulating PM Modi, Starmer, reciprocated saying the Indian PM's tireless work has consolidated India's economic standing and made New Delhi a formidable economic power. He added that both nations are art a cusp of 'something big'.

Earlier today,  both nations had  signed the Terms of Reference to reposition the Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO). "Thrilled to announce the signing of the Terms of Reference to reposition the Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO). This institutional reset is a game-changer, strengthening our framework for strategic engagement, driving the implementation of the India-UK CETA, and boosting our joint ambition to significantly enhance our bilateral trade," tweeted Union Minister Piyush Goyal after signing the document.

Starmer, who is on his first visit to India as UK Prime Minister, held bilateral discussions with Modi in Mumbai. The talks focused on strengthening trade, technology cooperation, and strategic ties between the two nations.