UK PM Keir Starmer to visit India on October 8-9. Key points on the agenda

Keir Starmer’s visit follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s trip to Britain in July, when the two sides signed a free trade agreement (FTA).

Updated on: Oct 4, 2025, 19:49:25 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will visit India next week to discuss various issues and attend an international finance conference.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer have tea during a business event following the signing of the historic India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement [CETA], in London in July. (@MEAIndia X/ File)

Starmer's visit to India will run from October 8 to October 9, the ministry of external affairs said in a statement on Saturday. This will be Starmer’s first official visit to India.

The visit is likely to boost relations in areas ranging from trade and technology to defence and security, against the backdrop of widespread churn on the global stage due to the policies of the US administration.

Starmer’s visit follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s trip to Britain in July, when the two sides signed a free trade agreement (FTA) that is currently being ratified and will come into effect by next year.

The two leaders are expected to hold bilateral talks in Mumbai, where they will also participate in the Global Fintech Fest 2025.

Key points on the agenda

Keir Starmer’s visit will allow the two sides to assess their efforts to ratify the India-UK FTA, which is expected to boost two-way commerce by $35 billion in the long run, cut tariffs on goods ranging from textiles to whisky, and enhance market access.
The policies of US President Donald Trump are also likely to feature on the agenda, which have affected both India and the UK to varying degrees.
The visit will also be an opportunity to review the implementation of the Vision 2035 strategy to drive collaboration in defence, technology, climate and migration, and the Defence Industrial Roadmap for closer cooperation on military hardware. 4
India’s campaign against terrorism, the activities of pro-Khalistan elements in the UK and the return of economic offenders and fugitives wanted by New Delhi are also expected to figure in discussions during the upcoming visit.

During the visit to the UK in July, PM Narendra Modi had emphasised that there can be no double standards in the fight against terrorism, and in an apparent reference to pro-Khalistan elements, said that “forces with extremist ideology cannot be allowed to misuse democratic freedoms”. He also called for such forces engaged in undermining democracy to be held to account.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Get the latest India News, breaking headlines and real-time updates from across the country. Stay informed about politics, government policies, crime, weather and major national developments.