Inside Starmer’s India visit: From trade gains to broader strategic partnership

Strengthening post-FTA strategic partnership

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will make his first official visit to India on 8–9 October 2025, at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The visit comes in the wake of the India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), signed in July 2025 during Modi’s trip to London, and follows recent trade tensions arising from US tariffs. Starmer’s visit is aimed at consolidating economic gains, deepening strategic ties, and reaffirming the forward-looking India–UK partnership.

During the two-day trip, the two leaders will review progress under the India–UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, aligned with the 'Vision 2035' roadmap. Discussions are expected to cover trade, investment, technology, defence, climate, energy, health, and education. The leaders will also meet business and industry representatives in Mumbai to promote opportunities arising from CETA.

Strengthening trade ties

At the core of Starmer’s visit is the promotion and consolidation of CETA, which aims to double bilateral trade to USD 120 billion by 2030. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has described the agreement as a 'game-changing' deal for both nations. Starmer and Modi are expected to discuss trade facilitation, regulatory cooperation, and investment flows, as well as examine mechanisms to resolve remaining trade barriers, such as tariffs on UK goods and UK non-tariff barriers affecting Indian exports.

The leaders are likely to touch upon migration and visa policies. While CETA includes provisions such as a Double Contributions Convention to ease the movement of professionals, India has sought greater mobility for its skilled workforce in IT, healthcare, and other sectors. For the UK, the focus remains on reducing tariffs on key exports such as automobiles and alcoholic beverages.

The backdrop of global economic uncertainty adds urgency to these discussions. The UK has recently reached a non-binding agreement with the US to reduce tariffs, while India is engaged in trade talks with Washington to address duties linked to Russian oil imports. These developments provide both countries an opportunity to strengthen bilateral economic resilience amid protectionist pressures.

Strategic and defence cooperation

Beyond trade, Starmer’s visit will reinforce strategic and technological collaboration. The India–UK defence industrial roadmap, agreed in 2025, provides a 10-year plan for co-development and co-production of advanced defence technologies, moving the partnership from a buyer-seller model to joint innovation.

Both leaders are expected to discuss technology cooperation across artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, fintech, and cybersecurity. Starmer and Modi will participate in the 6th edition of the Global Fintech Fest in Mumbai, signalling a focus on innovation-driven partnerships. The visit also provides an opportunity to address broader regional and global issues, including Indo-Pacific stability, climate cooperation, and energy security.

Addressing sensitive and long-standing issues

It is expected that Starmer’s visit will also givr an opportunity to discuss complex matters that have occasionally strained bilateral relations. India is likely to seek speedy progress on extradition requests for high-profile individuals such as Vijay Mallya and Nirav Modi, while both sides may address concerns over visa rules and migration.

Both leaders are also likely to take up security concerns related to extremist activities in the UK, particularly those linked to Khalistani separatist groups.

The visit reflects a commitment from both sides to a modern, forward-looking partnership that balances economic, technological, and strategic priorities. For Starmer, it signals Labour’s emphasis on trade and diplomacy in the Indo-Pacific, a key component of the post-Brexit Global Britain strategy. For India, hosting the UK Prime Minister reinforces the notion of the “living bridge,” emphasising historical, cultural, and diaspora ties between the two countries.

Looking ahead

Starmer’s visit builds on the momentum from Modi’s July 2025 trip to the UK and marks a critical moment in India–UK relations. By engaging on trade, defence, technology, and sensitive diplomatic issues, the two leaders aim to strengthen bilateral ties amid global economic turbulence, ensuring the partnership remains strategic, resilient, and mutually beneficial.

(With agency inputs)