Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: PRAISING the UK-India trade deal as a launchpad for closer ties, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said, “This relationship matters more than ever.”
Concluding his two-day visit to India on October 9 – during which he had a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the financial capital of Mumbai and also took part in other engagements – Starmer told reporters, “We’re opening up new opportunities in India for British businesses, opportunities that other countries simply do not have.” The visit of British PM Starmer, who was accompanied by the largest-ever business delegation, “reflects the new energy and broad vision” in the partnership, said PM Modi after his talks with Starmer.
Addressing the Global Fintech Fest 2025 in the city along with Starmer, PM Modi emphasised India’s transformation into one of the world’s most technologically inclusive societies. Reflecting on the festival’s evolution since its inception during the global pandemic five years ago, PM Modi highlighted its growth into a premier platform for financial innovation.
Starmer kicked off his address at the Forum with a warm Hindi greeting. “Namaskar Mumbai! Mujhe yahan aa kar bahot khushi huhi (I’m happy to be here”), he said. Further in his speech, he positioned the UK as India’s key partner in finteh innovation.
Earlier, PM Modi told the India-UK CEO Forum he was confident that the two countries would double their trade from the current $56 billion ahead of their 2030 target to do so. “India’s dynamism and the UK’s expertise together create a unique synergy,” he said.
An MEA statement said the two sides agreed to set up a connectivity and innovation centre and a joint centre for AI, and unveiled a critical minerals industry guild to bolster supply chains and promote green technologies.
