UK PM in India: PM Modi and Starmer to meet today; will discuss bilateral issues and Vision 2035

Starmer, who is on his first visit to India since assuming office as Prime Minister, will meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Mumbai on Thursday. PM Modi will host Prime Minister Starmer in Mumbai at 10 am today. This meeting will focus on advancing the Vision 2035 time-bound agenda for collaboration between the two countries. During Prime Minister Modi's visit to London in July, Starmer supported the India-UK Vision 2035. This reflects the two countries' commitment to working together. This will be a key discussion during the two leaders' meeting in Mumbai. Prime Minister Modi will participate in the CEO Forum with the British Prime Minister at the Jio World Centre in Mumbai at approximately 1:45 pm. Following this, at approximately 2:45 pm, both Prime Ministers will attend the sixth edition of the Global FinTech Fest (GFF) and deliver keynote addresses.

Review of the Vision 2035 Roadmap

PM Modi and the British Prime Minister will also review the progress of the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership under the Vision 2035 Roadmap. During this meeting, the two leaders will discuss the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and other global and regional issues. Vision 2035 focuses on programs and initiatives across key pillars of trade and investment, technology and innovation, defense and security, climate and energy, health, education, and people-to-people ties.

People from over 75 countries to participate in the Global FinTech Fest

Over 100,000 participants from over 75 countries are expected to participate in the three-day Global FinTech Fest 2025. Approximately 7,500 companies, 800 speakers, 400 exhibitors, and 70 leading Indian and global regulatory institutions will participate. This includes prestigious regulators such as the Monetary Authority of Singapore and Germany's Deutsche Bundesbank.

Earlier, while meeting top entrepreneurs and business leaders in Mumbai yesterday, British PM Starmer said that we had signed a major trade agreement with India in July. This is our biggest agreement since leaving the European Union. It's also the best agreement any country has signed. It's probably India's biggest agreement ever. He said, "This isn't just a piece of paper; it's a launchpad for growth. Trade with India is going to be faster and cheaper. Growth in India means more choice, stability, and jobs for the British people here." During a lighthearted moment during his interaction with business leaders at the Taj Mahal Palace, Starmer was also seen taking a selfie. Earlier, Starmer, who arrived in India on a two-day visit with a large 125-member delegation, was warmly welcomed at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.

Visas play no role in the trade agreement.

Before leaving for India, Starmer stated that Britain would not relax visa rules for India. While there are significant opportunities to expand trade and cultural ties between the two countries, there are no plans to open new visa routes for Indian workers or students. He reiterated that visas play no role in the free trade agreement with India.

Welcome, PM Starmer, look forward to meeting Modi.

PM Modi said in the post, "Welcome PM Starmer, who is on his first historic visit to India with Britain's largest-ever business delegation. Look forward to our meeting to advance our shared vision of a strong and mutually prosperous future." Britain said that Starmer's visit aims to build on the momentum generated by the UK-India trade agreement.