‘1.8 mn Indians in UK living bridge’: What PM Modi said at joint presser with Starmer

During the visit of the UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised on the partnership between the two nations highlighting the significant progress in various fields. He called attention to defence cooperation, building a new military agreement and establishment of UK universities in India. PM Modi discussed initiatives in climate change, AI and maritime security strengthening global trade.

It was a delight to welcome my friend, PM Keir Starmer at the Raj Bhavan in Mumbai. Being his first visit to India, it is surely a special occasion. The presence of the largest business delegation to India makes it even more special and illustrates the strong potential of… pic.twitter.com/znZTxoWq1l

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 9, 2025

PM Modi described the strong Indian diaspora living in the UK as “a living bridge” connecting the two countries with historical ties. Here is what the Indian prime minister said during the joint press conference on Thursday:

“Under Prime Minister Starmer’s leadership, India-UK relations have made significant progress. During my visit to the UK in July this year, we concluded the historic Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). This agreement will reduce import costs between the two countries, create new employment opportunities for youth, boost trade, and benefit both our industries and consumers.

Your visit to India along with the largest-ever business delegation, just months after the Agreement, reflects the new energy and broad vision driving the India–UK partnership.

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Yesterday marked the largest summit of business leaders between India and the UK. Today, we will also be addressing the India–UK CEO Forum and the Global FinTech Festival. These will bring valuable insights, and open up new avenues for further strengthening India–UK cooperation.

India and the UK are natural partners. Our relationship is built on the shared values of democracy, freedom, and the rule of law. In today’s time of global uncertainty, our growing partnership stands as an important pillar of global stability and economic progress.

In today’s meeting, we also shared views on the Indo-Pacific, peace and stability in West Asia, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. On the issues of the Ukraine conflict and Gaza, India supports all efforts to restore peace through dialogue and diplomacy. We are fully committed to enhancing maritime security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.

There are immense possibilities in the technology partnership between India and the UK. We are working to connect the UK’s industrial expertise and R&D with India’s talent and scale.

Last year, we launched the India–UK Technology Security Initiative. Under this initiative, we have created a strong platform for joint research and innovation in critical and emerging technologies. To connect the youth of both countries through an innovation bridge, we have taken several steps, including establishing the ‘Connectivity and Innovation Centre’ and the ‘Joint AI Research Centre’.

We have decided to establish an Industry Guild and a Supply Chain Observatory for cooperation on critical minerals. Its satellite campus will be located at ISM Dhanbad.

We have a shared commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals. In this direction, we welcome the formation of the India–UK Offshore Wind Taskforce.

We have established the Climate Technology Startup Fund. This will provide support to innovators and entrepreneurs from both countries working in the fields of climate, technology, and AI.

From defense and security to education and innovation, India and the UK are shaping new dimensions in their relationship.

Today, Prime Minister Starmer is accompanied by the largest and most influential delegation from the education sector so far. It is a matter of great pleasure that several UK universities are now establishing campuses in India. The Gurugram campus of Southampton University was recently inaugurated, and the first batch of students has already joined. Additionally, the construction of campuses for three other UK universities in GIFT City is currently underway.

Our defense cooperation has also deepened. We are moving towards defense co-production and connecting the defense industries of both countries. Taking our defense collaboration a step further, we have signed an agreement for cooperation in military training, under which Flying Instructors from the Indian Air Force will serve as trainers with the UK’s Royal Air Force.

It is a special coincidence that while this meeting is taking place in the country’s financial capital Mumbai, our naval ships are participating in the joint exercise “Konkan 2025.”

The 1.8 million Indians residing in the United Kingdom are a living bridge of our partnership. Through their valuable contributions to British society and the economy, they have strengthened the bonds of friendship, cooperation, and progress between our two nations.

India’s dynamism and the United Kingdom’s expertise together create a unique synergy. Our partnership is trustworthy, and driven by talent and technology. And today, as Prime Minister Starmer and I stand together on this stage, it is a clear reaffirmation of our shared commitment to work hand in hand towards building a brighter future for the people of both our nations.

Once again, I extend my heartfelt thanks to Prime Minister Starmer and his delegation for their visit to India.”