10 Big Announcements from PM Modi & Keir Starmer's Meeting in Mumbai

PM Modi- Keir Starmer Meeting in Mumbai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi met UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in India, today. Notably, this is Starmer's first official visit to India. He reached India on Wednesday along with top business leaders. After arriving in Mumbai, he also visited Yash Raj Films Studios. This is his first visit to India after he signed a landmark Free Trade Agreement with India.

Starmer called this deal as the “biggest deal since Brexit.” He also stated that the partnership between India and UK will increase growth and jobs in both countries. During their meeting today in Mumbai’s Raj Bhawan, several big announcement were made. Some of the major announcements are listed below.

Keir Starmer Expresses Condolences Over Air India Crash

UK PM Keir Starmer after meeting PM Modi, expressed his “sympathy” over the recent unfortunate incident i.e., Air India crash. 

PM Modi: India-UK Defence Co-Production

PM Modi stated that India and the UK are all set for defence co-production and deal in technology and manufacturing.

PM Modi: Nine UK Universities to open Campuses In India

During today's meeting, PM Modi announced that nine UK universities will open campuses in India. He called it a major milestone in bilateral education partnerships.

PM Modi on India’s Stand on Ukraine, Gaza

During the meeting, PM Modi stated that India will continue to support all efforts meant to resolve the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza through talks.

Modi, Starmer Discuss Indo-Pacific, West Asia And Europe

PM Modi said his talks with UK PM Keir Starmer covered key regional issues, such as developments in the Indo-Pacific, West Asia, and Europe. 

New Modern Partnership

UK PM Keir, in a joint statement with PM Modi said that the two countries are “building a new modern partnership. He continues to add that the visit reflects growth confidence between the two nation. 

UK PM on Tech Innovation

UK PM also spoke on tech innovation. He said, "So, we have taken the opportunity to deepen our cooperation through our technology, security initiative with new commitments on AI, advanced communication, defence technologies and much more, We are announcing a deal to make Bollywood films in the UK after a fantastic visit to the studio yesterday, and with deepening our cooperation in education...It is the younger generation in India who will lead the charge to deliver on that 2047 target."

India's growth is remarkable: Keir Starmer 

During his address, Starmer countered US President Donald Trump's 'dead economy' jibe on India, and said, "It is significant that we are meeting in Mumbai as India's economic and financial capital, because India's growth story is remarkable.'' He said, "I want to congratulate the PM on his leadership, aiming to be the world's 3rd largest economy by 2028. Your vision of Viksit Bharat is to make it a completely developed country by 2047."

UK PM: We want to be partners

The UK PM said, "We want to be partners on that journey. My visit this week is about doubling down on the potential of our trade deal for the benefit of all of us. That's why I have brought a record 126 British businesses with me to India this week."

UK PM Keir Starmer on Peace Plan in Gaza

UK PM Keir Starmer said, "I strongly welcome the news that a deal has been reached on the first stage of the Peace Plan in Gaza. This is a moment of profound relief...This Agreement must now be implemented in full without delay and be accompanied by the immediate lifting of all restrictions on life-saving humanitarian aid to Gaza. The UK will support these crucial immediate steps and the next stages of the talks to ensure full implementation of the Peace Plan...India is a global player...We want to see India taking its rightful place in the UNSC..."