United Kingdom (UK) Prime Minister (PM) Keir Starmer on Thursday announced new initiatives to boost bilateral cooperation with India in technology, education, and the creative industries, highlighting the growing and evolving partnership between the two countries, news agency ANI reported.
Speaking at a press conference in Mumbai, Starmer said, “We are opening the UK-India Technology Security Initiative to create opportunities for British companies and deliver dozens of new investments into the United Kingdom, harnessing technology as one of the biggest drivers of jobs and growth.”
He highlighted key outcomes from his visit, noting that collaboration between the two countries is expanding into new sectors, ANI reported.
“Other standout wins this week include filmmaking, with three new Bollywood blockbusters set to be made in the United Kingdom, and education, with the University of Lancaster and the University of Surrey opening new campuses in India. These join other British universities already in India, making the UK the country’s top international education provider,” Starmer said.
The British PM emphasised that the partnership goes beyond trade and investment.
“We are leading the way because this relationship matters more than ever across the economy, security, energy, climate, and more. Our history together is deep, and the human connections between our people are truly special,” he said.
Reaffirming the importance of continued collaboration, Starmer added, “This week, we’ve built on our historic trade deal. We are remaking this partnership for our times — forward-looking, focused on seizing future opportunities together, and bringing them home for the British people.”
Earlier, he called for a “hands-on” approach to implementing trade and investment agreements, stressing close collaboration with industry leaders to ensure tangible results from the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and other bilateral initiatives.
Addressing a high-profile business forum attended by PM Narendra Modi and leading chief executive officers (CEOs) from both countries, the British premier said, “Too often in the past, governments have negotiated trade deals and then left them on the table. We want to do things differently. Governments must provide follow-through support, ensuring connections are in place. We want to be on the pitch with you, not just building the stadium and walking away.”
The event saw announcements of new contracts with Indian airlines and investments from UK fintech firms Revolut and Tide, which Starmer described as “a powerful example” of cooperation driving shared prosperity, ANI reported.
Reflecting on the broader trade relationship, Starmer said, “The trade deal is more than what’s written down. It’s about confidence, intent, and creating the conditions for growth.” He added that in the three months since signing the deal at Chequers, trade and investment have increased by £6 billion, including new contracts for Rolls-Royce with major Indian airlines and fresh investments from Revolut and Tide.
Accompanied by Business Secretary Grant Shapps and Secretary of State for Scotland Alister Jack, Starmer reaffirmed the United Kingdom (UK) government’s commitment to ensuring trade and investment agreements deliver concrete results.
“We’re here to help maximise the potential of this FTA. The presence of senior ministers underscores how seriously we view our economic partnership with India,” he said.
Starmer urged business leaders to highlight challenges that hinder full implementation of trade deals.
“The world moves faster than in the past, and governments need to keep pace. Tell us what barriers exist and what more can be done to capitalise on opportunities,” he said.
Concluding the forum, Starmer said the event marked a new phase in India-UK engagement focused on collaboration and accountability.
“Today is just the start. The task now is to follow through together. We are committed to doing that because we know the enormous benefits this partnership brings for businesses, our countries, and working people in both nations,” he said.
(With ANI inputs)
