‘Looking forward to our meeting’: PM Modi welcomes UK counterpart Keir Starmer on his ‘historic' first visit to India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi with UK counterpart Keir Starmer in London

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday welcomed his United Kingdom counterpart Keir Starmer, who arrived in Mumbai today for his first official visit to the country.

“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,” the Prime Minister said in a post on X.

Starmer arrived at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai this morning, where he was received by Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, deputy CMs Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, and Maharashtra governor Acharya Devvrat.

Modi will meet Starmer in Mumbai on Thursday as part of the process to strengthen the India UK strategic partnership. They will attend the CEO Forum and the 6th edition of the Global Fintech Fest in the city.

During their meeting, Modi and Starmer will take stock of the progress in diverse aspects of the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in line with the ‘Vision 2035' roadmap of initiatives in trade and investment, technology and innovation, defence and security, climate and energy, health, education and people to people relations.

Both the leaders will engage with businesses and industry leaders on opportunities presented by the India UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement as a central pillar of the future India UK economic partnership.

They will exchange views on issues of regional and global importance. Both the leaders will also engage with industry experts, policymakers and innovators.

125 of the UK’s most prominent CEOs, leading entrepreneurs, university Vice Chancellors and cultural institutions have joined Starmer on the India visit.

“We signed a major trade deal with India in July – the best secured by any country – but the story doesn’t stop there. 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,” Starmer said.