PM Modi Begins UK Visit; Meets British PM Keir Starmer At Chequers

Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his fourth visit to the United Kingdom on Thursday with a high-profile meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the Chequers Estate, the official countryside residence of the UK Prime Minister.

The two leaders will likely hold extensive discussions covering the full spectrum of India–UK bilateral ties.

Topics on the agenda include regional and global developments of mutual interest.

Prime Minister Modi will likely meet King Charles III later in the day. Both sides aim to review progress under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), focusing on trade, defence, innovation, climate action, health, education, and cultural exchange.

Just ahead of his meeting with PM Modi, Prime Minister Starmer announced the signing of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India, which he said would significantly benefit the UK economy.

“Our new deal is a win for British businesses – slashing tariffs and boosting exports in everything from soft drinks and cosmetics to gin and whisky. It’s a win for British shoppers – bringing down prices and creating greater choice in Indian goods, such as clothes, shoes and food. And it’s a win for British communities – spreading huge benefits to nations and regions across the UK, from Scotland to the West Midlands and the North-East,” PM Starmer stated.

Welcoming PM Modi, he noted, “So, when I welcome Narendra Modi, the Indian Prime Minister, to the UK today – I know we’re delivering a deal that’s good for Britain and good for working people across the UK.”

FTA Expected to Boost UK Economy by £4.8 Billion

According to recent analysis cited by the British Prime Minister, the FTA with India is expected to add around £4.8 billion to the UK economy annually and increase wages by £2.2 billion.

“India is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. So, this really matters. As an early taster of the opportunities on offer, today we are announcing nearly £6 billion in investment and export wins between India and the UK, creating over 2,200 jobs for British workers,” the British Prime Minister asserted.

In his pre-departure statement, Prime Minister Modi had described the India–UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership as a relationship that has advanced across diverse sectors in recent years.

“Our collaboration spans a wide range of sectors, including trade, investment, technology, innovation, defence, education, research, sustainability, health and people-to-people ties. During my meeting with Prime Minister Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer, we will have the opportunity to further enhance our economic partnership, aimed at fostering prosperity, growth and jobs creation in both countries. I also look forward to calling on His Majesty King Charles III during the visit,” PM Modi noted.

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