India and UK Leaders to Meet in Mumbai to Advance Vision 2035 Collaboration

Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Sir Keir Starmer will begin his official visit to India tomorrow, October 8, 2025, upon the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The two-day visit marked by extensive bilateral engagements aims to further consolidate and advance the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in line with their shared "Vision 2035" roadmap, a focused and time-bound 10-year plan.

Review of India-UK Strategic Partnership Progress

During the visit, on October 9 in Mumbai, Prime Ministers Modi and Starmer will review progress made across diverse sectors under the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This roadmap includes key pillars such as trade and investment, technology and innovation, defence and security, climate and energy, health, education, and people-to-people relations. The partnership reflects a commitment to enhancing collaboration and building a forward-looking relationship between the two nations.

Focus on Trade and Economic Cooperation

A central highlight of the visit will be discussions around the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), signed in July 2025 during PM Modi’s visit to the UK. This agreement serves as a core framework for future economic collaboration, with both leaders expected to engage with business and industry representatives to explore trade and investment opportunities. Enhancing trade ties with an aim to double bilateral trade to $120 billion by 2030 is a pivotal goal aligned with CETA, emphasizing regulatory cooperation, trade facilitation, and resolving remaining trade barriers.

Engagement at the Global Fintech Fest

Prime Ministers Modi and Starmer will also participate in the 6th edition of the Global Fintech Fest in Mumbai, where they are scheduled to deliver keynote addresses. This engagement will focus on fostering innovation, digital infrastructure development, financial technology, and cybersecurity cooperation. The event provides a platform to connect with industry experts, policymakers, and innovators, reinforcing technology as a key pillar of the bilateral partnership.

Dialogue on Regional and Global Issues

Beyond bilateral agendas, the visit offers an opportunity for the leaders to exchange views on issues of regional and global importance, including economic security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. The discussions are expected to highlight cooperation on shared strategic priorities, reflecting a modern and resilient partnership amid complex global challenges.

Building on Momentum from UK-India Exchanges

This visit by Prime Minister Starmer builds on the momentum generated by Prime Minister Modi’s UK visit in July 2025. It reaffirms both countries’ commitment to a deep and broad partnership that balances economic, technological, and strategic priorities. The collaboration under the "Vision 2035" framework aims to sustain and expand the growing ties between India and the UK over the next decade.

The official engagements and discussions scheduled during this visit underscore the importance both sides place on their future cooperation, with a strong focus on creating mutually beneficial opportunities across multiple sectors.