PM Modi Meets UK PM Starmer At G7 Summit; Reaffirms Commitment To Strengthen Ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Tuesday during the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada.

Their discussion reaffirmed the strong and growing ties between India and the United Kingdom, touching upon trade, shared values, and recent tragedies affecting citizens of both countries.

Taking to social media platform X, PM Modi described the interaction as ‘an exceptional conversation’, adding, “India and UK ties are getting stronger, reflecting in the ground we’ve covered in areas like trade and commerce. We will keep working together to add even more momentum to this wonderful friendship.”

Prime Minister Starmer also conveyed his condolences following the tragic Air India crash that occurred on June 12 in Ahmedabad, which claimed several British lives.

Calling it a ‘truly heartbreaking day’ for many Indian and British families, PM Starmer expressed solidarity and support, while the UK’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) offered assistance in the investigation.

Shared commitment in crisis & trade

This meeting builds upon earlier exchanges between the two leaders.

PM Modi had extended a formal invitation for Prime Minister Starmer to visit India, reiterating the importance of early high-level engagement.

In parallel, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar had expressed appreciation for the UK’s support following the Pahalgam terror attack in April, which took the lives of several Indian citizens.

India and the UK placed the landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA), signed in May 2025, at the centre of their bilateral dialogue.

This milestone pact between the world’s fourth and sixth-largest economies grants zero-duty access for 99 per cent of Indian exports to the UK, spanning key sectors such as textiles, gems and jewellery, auto components, and organic chemicals.

India and the UK aim to double their current $60 billion bilateral trade by 2030 through the FTA, which is expected to significantly boost commerce.

It also marks the UK’s most significant bilateral deal post-Brexit and India’s 16th FTA globally.

PM Modi’s conversation with Prime Minister Starmer highlighted a shared commitment to democratic values, mutual prosperity, and strategic cooperation.

Both leaders expressed optimism about future collaboration across sectors such as clean energy, space, critical minerals, and investment flows.

Their meeting at the G7 underlined the evolving India–UK relationship- one defined by mutual respect, economic opportunity, and a common vision for global stability.

Also Read: PM Modi Hails Strong India-Canada Ties During G7 Summit Meeting With PM Mark Carney