India–UK Ties Gain Fresh Energy As PM Modi Meets Starmer At G20 Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met British counterpart Keir Starmer during the G20 Summit in Johannesburg on Saturday afternoon.

Afterwards, PM Modi stated the year had brought new energy, strengthening the rapidly growing India–United Kingdom partnership significantly today.

“It was wonderful meeting Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Johannesburg. This year has brought new energy to the India–UK partnership and we will keep driving it forward across many domains,” PM Modi posted on X after the meeting

Previously, Starmer visited India, accompanying the largest-ever United Kingdom trade delegation for wide-ranging discussions aimed at boosting ties.

The first official visit included meetings in Mumbai, where leaders explored expanding bilateral collaboration across economic sectors. Additionally, Starmer’s trip followed PM Modi’s earlier July visit to Britain, which featured constructive discussions at Chequers in Buckinghamshire.

Both leaders welcomed the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement that elevated the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to new heights.

The agreement significantly enhanced bilateral trade, investment and collaborative opportunities, creating economic benefits for both participating economies.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri travelled to London, reinforcing efforts to strengthen cooperation across multiple strategic focus areas.

Meanwhile, both governments continued deepening engagement through sustained dialogue, reflecting their commitment to building a resilient bilateral relationship.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar noted relations had evolved from a complicated history into a dynamic, forward-looking partnership. Jaishankar emphasised that the past year represented an exceptional period of delivering substantial progress across diplomatic areas.

Officials highlighted ongoing initiatives designed to deepen trust while ensuring balanced growth within the multidimensional India–United Kingdom relationship.

“I think over the years, our ties have evolved from a complicated historical association to a dynamic and forward-looking partnership. This past year has truly been an exceptional year for our modern relationship. Earlier this month, as you heard from the High Commissioner, we welcomed Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Mumbai, accompanied by the largest ever trade delegation from the UK. Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself visited the UK three months earlier. I had the privilege of travelling with him at that time, when the historic Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement was signed. During that visit, we also adopted Vision 2035 – to guide our ties across five pillars, those of: Growth, Technology and Innovation, Defence and Security, Climate and Clean Energy and Education. We also adopted a Defence Industrial Roadmap for the first time,” EAM Jaishankar stated in his remarks during the UK National Day celebrations.

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