UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer Begins First Official Visit To India; Lands In Mumbai

United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in Mumbai early on Wednesday morning at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, marking the beginning of his first official visit to India since assuming office.

He was welcomed with full state honours by Maharashtra and Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

Downing Street has described the visit as a ‘two-day trade mission to Mumbai’, focused on boosting trade and investment and enhancing strategic cooperation between the two countries.

Prime Minister Starmer is accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising CEOs and senior executives from leading British companies, as well as representatives from top universities and institutions.

Joining him are UK Minister for Trade and Business Peter Kyle and Investment Minister Jason Stockwood, signalling the importance of trade and economic growth in the mission’s agenda.

This visit follows Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s trip to the UK in July 2025, during which both nations finalised a landmark Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).

PM Starmer’s visit aims to build upon that progress, especially as both countries reassess their global trade strategies in light of shifting geopolitical trends.

High-Level Talks in Mumbai

On Thursday (October 9), Prime Minister Starmer will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Raj Bhavan, Mumbai.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the two leaders will review the India–UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, guided by the Vision 2035 roadmap.

This roadmap focuses on seven key pillars: trade and investment, innovation, defence, climate action, health, education, and people-to-people ties.

Both leaders will also discuss regional and global issues, reinforcing the shared commitment to a free, open, and rules-based international order.

PM Starmer and PM Modi will jointly address the 6th edition of the Global Fintech Fest in Mumbai, where they will deliver keynote speeches and interact with industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators from around the world.

The event will highlight opportunities for collaboration in digital finance, fintech innovation, and sustainable economic growth.

According to the MEA, the visit will build on the momentum generated by Prime Minister Modi’s UK visit and further consolidate the India–UK partnership.

It represents a shared vision for a modern, dynamic, and mutually beneficial relationship, focused on economic prosperity, technological innovation, and global leadership in addressing pressing challenges such as climate change and inclusive growth.

Prime Minister Starmer’s visit marks a new chapter in India–UK relations, reaffirming the commitment of both nations to strengthen cooperation and shape a resilient, future-ready partnership.

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