UK PM Keir Starmer to Visit India on October 8-9 to Strengthen Strategic and Trade Ties

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to visit India from October 8 to 9 for his first official trip to the country, where he will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi to strengthen bilateral ties and boost economic and trade relations. The visit comes at a time of significant geopolitical and economic uncertainty driven by shifting global policies, particularly from the US.

According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, Starmer and Modi will hold talks in Mumbai on October 9 to review the progress of the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Their discussions will align with “Vision 2035,” a shared 10-year roadmap covering key areas such as trade and investment, defence and security, technology and innovation, climate change, energy, health, education, and people-to-people ties.

A major focus of the visit will be the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), which the two sides view as a central pillar of their future economic engagement. Modi and Starmer are expected to discuss how to maximise opportunities under the agreement, which aims to significantly boost bilateral trade, reduce tariffs on a range of goods — including textiles and whisky — and expand market access. The deal, finalised during Modi's visit to the UK in July, is projected to increase two-way trade by $35 billion in the long term and is likely to come into force next year.

The leaders will also participate in the Global Fintech Fest in Mumbai, where they will deliver keynote addresses and interact with business leaders, policymakers, and innovators from both countries.

Starmer’s visit is expected to further solidify the momentum in India-UK ties and “reaffirm the shared vision” for a forward-looking partnership, the ministry said. Apart from trade and business, the talks are likely to cover regional and global challenges, including India’s concerns over terrorism, the activities of pro-Khalistan groups in the UK, and the extradition of economic offenders wanted by Indian authorities.

The visit also follows the UK’s recent agreement with the US on a non-binding trade deal aimed at easing tariff impacts, and India’s resumption of trade negotiations with Washington — all amid a complex global economic landscape.