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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met him British counterpart keir starmer The talks held on Thursday were aimed at deepening cooperation on trade, defense and technology while promoting trade agreements between the countries.
Conversation in the financial capital of India mumbai This is Starmer’s first official visit to India after assuming office earlier this year. The two-day visit, which began on Wednesday, comes at a time when the Indian government is stepping up efforts to attract global investment for the country’s fast-growing economy.
The prime ministers said Thursday’s meeting focused on taking forward the trade agreement signed during Modi’s visit to London in July and promoting cooperation in digital infrastructure, technology, defence, critical minerals and education.
The countries are natural partners and strengthening the partnership is “an example of stability in an uncertain world,” Modi said.
Modi said, “India-UK partnership is becoming an important foundation for global stability and economic progress.” He announced that the countries have reached an agreement on military training cooperation, while nine UK universities are planning to open campuses in India.
Starmer is visiting India with a 125-member delegation that includes leaders from business, universities and culture sectors. He said the visit was about “doubling down the possibilities for a trade agreement” that would boost growth and jobs in both countries.
“We are building a new modern partnership with a focus on the future,” Starmer said.
The trade agreement, which the two countries aim to implement within the next year, will reduce tariffs on products including Scotch whisky, English gin sent to India and Indian food and spices sent to the UK. The British government said in a statement that the agreement will increase bilateral trade by $34 billion and exports to India will increase by approximately 60%.
Modi and Starmer also shared views on Indo-Pacific stability and discussed the war in Ukraine and developments in Gaza. Starmer praised the first phase of the peace plan between Israel and Hamas, saying it brings “deep relief”, especially to the hostages, families and civilians who have suffered over the past two years.