UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will be in India on a two-day visit on October 8 and 9. According to the external affairs ministry, the visit of the UK PM to India is expected to boost ties between the two countries, including in areas of defence and security.
This is Starmer's first trip to the country since he assumed charge of the top office in July last year.
The UK PM and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are expected to hold talks in Mumbai, where the two leaders will also participate in the Global Fintech Fest (GFF) 2025.
Starmer's visit to India from October 8 to 9 will provide a "valuable opportunity" to reaffirm the shared vision of India and the UK to build a forward-looking partnership, the MEA said in a statement on Saturday.
The two prime ministers will take stock of progress in diverse aspects of the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in line with 'Vision 2035'—a focused and time-bound 10-year roadmap of programmes and initiatives, the ministry further said.
"Both leaders will engage with businesses and industry leaders on opportunities presented by the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) as a central pillar of the future India-UK economic partnership," the MEA readout said.
Britain and India signed a free trade agreement in July during a visit by PM Modi. The agreement sealed a deal to cut tariffs on a range of goods, from textiles to whisky and cars, and allow more market access for businesses.
The activities of pro-Khalistan elements in Britain, and the return of fugitives and economic offenders wanted in India, are also expected to figure in the talks between the two leaders. |
