UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s two-day visit to India from October 8 to 9 marks a significant step in advancing the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) as both nations look to bolster trade and innovation against the backdrop of geopolitical tensions.
A The Hindu report outlined how the visit, coming just months after the trade deal was signed, highlights renewed efforts to expand cooperation in fintech, defence, and sustainable energy while navigating global conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine.
Trade pact to strengthen market access
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced that PM Starmer will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss a broad range of issues, including regional stability, defence, and economic growth.
The centrepiece of the visit is the implementation of CETA, which aims to boost market access for Indian and UK industries.
During his earlier visit to London in July, PM Modi emphasised that the deal will enhance India’s export opportunities for textiles, footwear, gems and jewellery, seafood, and engineering goods.
In return, UK products such as medical devices and aerospace components will become more affordable for Indian industries, improving trade competitiveness.
The MEA said both leaders will use the visit to “engage with businesses and industry leaders on the opportunities presented by CETA as a central pillar of the future India-UK economic partnership.”
Fintech cooperation takes centre stage
Keir Starmer and his Indian counterpart are expected to attend the sixth edition of the Global Fintech Fest in Mumbai on October 9, where both will deliver keynote addresses.
The event, which brings together policymakers, investors, and entrepreneurs, will serve as a platform to discuss emerging financial technologies, digital payment systems, and cross-border investment opportunities.
The focus on fintech underscores the strategic importance of digital innovation in strengthening bilateral economic ties.
India’s fast-expanding fintech market—projected to exceed $1 trillion in assets under management by 2030—is seen as a vital area for collaboration with UK-based investors seeking access to high-growth emerging markets.
The event also aligns with both governments’ vision of developing secure, inclusive digital economies capable of fostering innovation while maintaining regulatory oversight in an evolving global financial landscape.
Broader cooperation under Vision 2035
The visit will also allow the two Prime Ministers to take stock of progress made under the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, guided by “Vision 2035.”
This 10-year roadmap sets out a framework for cooperation in trade, defence, clean energy, education, and health.
According to the MEA, the leaders will review initiatives across technology, innovation, and climate change while assessing new opportunities in renewable energy and green finance.
Discussions on defence and security are expected to cover maritime cooperation, counterterrorism, and technology sharing, reflecting shared priorities in Indo-Pacific stability.
Both governments are also likely to explore the role of education and skill development in driving innovation-led growth.
With over 130,000 Indian students currently studying in the UK, education continues to be a strong people-to-people bridge between the two countries.
Diplomatic timing amid global uncertainty
Starmer’s India visit comes amid complex global circumstances.
The conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine have reshaped global alliances and economic policies, while rising energy costs and inflation continue to affect both developed and emerging economies.
Both India and the UK have publicly supported US President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan and have called for diplomatic engagement to stabilise the region.
With Russian President Vladimir Putin expected to visit India in December, discussions between the two prime ministers will likely include the impact of the Ukraine war on global trade and supply chains.
The timing of the visit indicates New Delhi’s growing importance as a strategic partner for London in diversifying trade relationships post-Brexit.
For India, stronger UK ties complement its ambition to become a global manufacturing and technology hub.
By combining economic diplomacy with technological collaboration, the two countries are poised to strengthen their partnership across multiple sectors, reinforcing their roles as key players in shaping the global economic order.
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