Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephone conversation with newly elected United Kingdom Prime Minister Andy Burnham, congratulating him on assuming office and extending his best wishes for a successful tenure. The discussion focused on strengthening the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and exploring new opportunities for cooperation across a wide range of sectors.
In a statement shared after the conversation, Prime Minister Modi said he was delighted to speak with his British counterpart and emphasized the importance of building stronger collaboration between the two countries. He noted that both leaders agreed to work together in areas including technology, innovation, defence, security, clean energy, education, and people-to-people exchanges.
Prime Minister Modi also highlighted the opportunities created by the recently operational India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), stating that both governments would work closely to ensure that businesses and citizens in both nations benefit from increased trade and investment.
UK PM outlines ambitious vision for stronger India ties
During the conversation, UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham described the India-UK relationship as one of the most significant international partnerships for the United Kingdom. He acknowledged the positive contribution the partnership has already made to communities across Britain and expressed his determination to take bilateral relations to greater heights.
Burnham outlined his government’s vision for strengthening cooperation through the UK-India Vision 2035 framework, which aims to expand collaboration across strategic, economic, technological, and cultural sectors over the coming decade.
He stressed that strong people-to-people connections remain one of the greatest strengths of the bilateral relationship and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to enhancing educational exchanges, innovation partnerships, and economic engagement.
Indian community praised for its contribution to British society
One of the highlights of the discussion was the recognition of the Indian diaspora’s contribution to British society. Prime Minister Burnham praised Indian communities in the UK for their role in strengthening the country’s economy, culture, and social fabric.
Prime Minister Modi responded by recalling the historical and cultural links between Manchester and Ahmedabad in Gujarat. Referring to Ahmedabad as the “Manchester of India,” he highlighted the shared industrial heritage of the two cities and emphasized how such historical connections continue to strengthen relations between the two nations.
Both leaders agreed that cultural exchanges and community relationships remain an important pillar of the broader strategic partnership.
Free Trade Agreement expected to boost investment and jobs
Trade emerged as a major focus of the high-level conversation. Prime Minister Burnham underlined the significance of the recently implemented Free Trade Agreement between India and the United Kingdom, describing it as a landmark step that would create new opportunities for businesses, investors, and workers in both countries.
Prime Minister Modi echoed these views, saying that both governments would work together to fully utilize the trade and investment opportunities created by the agreement. The leaders expressed confidence that expanded economic cooperation would contribute to long-term prosperity, employment generation, and stronger business partnerships.
The agreement is expected to enhance market access, encourage investment flows, and strengthen commercial ties across multiple industries, further reinforcing the economic partnership between the two countries.
Technology, AI and security cooperation take centre stage
Technology and innovation featured prominently during the discussion. Prime Minister Burnham reaffirmed his personal commitment to advancing the UK-India Technology Security Initiative, which focuses on strengthening collaboration in emerging technologies.
Both leaders discussed the immense potential for joint work in cutting-edge sectors, including artificial intelligence (AI), digital innovation, cybersecurity, and advanced research. They agreed that closer technological cooperation would help drive economic growth while addressing future security and development challenges.
Defence cooperation and broader security collaboration also formed part of the agenda, reflecting the expanding strategic partnership between New Delhi and London.
Leaders discuss Middle East developments
Apart from bilateral issues, the two Prime Ministers exchanged views on the evolving situation in the Middle East. Both leaders emphasized the importance of reducing regional tensions and agreed to continue working closely in support of de-escalation efforts.
They also stressed the need to ensure the reopening and smooth functioning of the Strait of Hormuz, recognizing its critical importance for global energy supplies, international trade, and maritime security.
The leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to promoting peace, stability, and international cooperation in the region.
Commitment to stronger future partnership
Concluding their conversation, Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Burnham reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining close engagement and expanding cooperation across strategic sectors. Both leaders expressed their desire to remain in regular contact and looked forward to meeting in person at the earliest opportunity.
The conversation reflected the shared determination of India and the United Kingdom to build a future-oriented partnership driven by innovation, economic growth, security cooperation, and strong people-to-people ties, while creating new opportunities that benefit citizens of both nations.
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