Modi and Starmer celebrate India-UK bond with music and trade talks

Modi and Starmer celebrate India-UK bond: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his British counterpart Keir Starmer shared smiles as they enjoyed a special rendition of Ed Sheeran and Arijit Singh’s hit song “Sapphire.” The track, originally blending Western pop with Indian influences, was reimagined with sitar, tabla and classical Indian notes for the leaders. Modi later praised the performance on social media, calling it a shining example of India-UK cultural partnership that reflects shared creativity and friendship.

Sapphire’s cross-cultural power

“Sapphire” has become a symbol of global music unity. Released in June 2025 as the third single from Ed Sheeran’s eighth studio album Play, it features India’s playback star Arijit Singh. The collaboration mixes Sheeran’s signature pop with Indian and Punjabi rhythms. For Modi and Starmer, hearing the song with traditional instruments highlighted how deeply India and the UK can blend traditions in both culture and diplomacy.

Starmer’s first India visit

Keir Starmer’s trip to India was his first as British Prime Minister, making the moment significant. His meeting with Modi in Mumbai focused on building stronger trade, technology partnerships, and wider strategic cooperation. Modi described their talks as filled with “new energy” and expressed confidence that India-UK relations would rise to new levels under Starmer’s leadership. Both leaders emphasized the importance of turning agreements into real outcomes quickly.

Trade pact under spotlight

One major highlight was the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), signed earlier in July during Modi’s visit to the UK. Starmer pushed for its rapid implementation, promising UK’s support to remove hurdles. Modi underlined that this agreement would not only strengthen commerce but also create jobs, investment opportunities, and a more resilient economic bond between the two nations. Business leaders from both sides welcomed the strong signals.

Business delegation’s strong presence

Accompanying Starmer was the largest-ever UK business delegation to India, signaling London’s intent to deepen its economic presence. Modi welcomed this step, saying it demonstrated the true potential of bilateral ties. The discussions covered digital technology, green energy, and defense cooperation. Analysts believe this could mark the beginning of a new phase of India-UK relations, driven not only by politics but by the private sector’s ambitions.

Friendship on global stage

Both leaders also discussed shared positions on global issues, from climate action to security challenges. Modi described Starmer as a “friend of India” and thanked him for bringing a renewed push to bilateral relations. Starmer responded by praising India’s growing global role and pledged stronger cooperation in multilateral forums. Their personal camaraderie, visible during the cultural program, reflected how diplomacy is often strengthened by mutual respect.

Looking ahead with optimism

The Mumbai meeting has been described as a milestone for both nations. Modi stressed that India-UK cooperation was no longer limited to trade but extended to culture, technology, and people-to-people connections. Starmer promised to visit India again soon and pledged continued engagement. With music symbolizing culture and agreements symbolizing progress, the Modi-Starmer summit offered a hopeful picture of a relationship ready to scale new heights.