Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to visit India next week for his first trip as Prime Minister, where he will meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Mumbai to advance the UK-India tech and security partnership. The visit comes shortly after the two countries finalized a long-awaited trade deal, and will focus on fintech, technology partnerships, and collaboration on key areas like AI and critical minerals.
What’s Happening
Starmer’s visit, which will take place next week in Mumbai, marks a significant step in the strengthening of ties between the UK and India. His meetings with Prime Minister Modi will focus on accelerating collaboration in sectors like fintech, technology, and security.
Starmer will attend the world’s largest fintech festival, where he and Modi will discuss new initiatives under the UK-India Technology Security Initiative (TSI). This agreement, which was finalized earlier this year, covers co-operation in high-tech sectors such as telecoms, AI, quantum computing, biotech, semiconductors, and critical minerals.
A source familiar with the planning shared that both sides are eager to explore practical outcomes from the TSI, looking to drive immediate results and bring business and seed capital into these critical partnerships.
Key Focus Areas: TSI and Moonshot Projects
One of the main focal points of the visit will be the seven pillars of the TSI, with both leaders seeking to identify areas that can move quickly. Discussions will center on how to collaborate in innovative technologies, with a particular emphasis on areas where both countries can maximize their strengths—such as India’s manufacturing capabilities and the UK’s research and development in fields like graphene semiconductors and quantum technology.
The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, in a recent report, recommended that the TSI push for “moonshot projects” that combine India’s industrial capacity with Britain’s cutting-edge R&D, such as a joint quantum lab and advanced semiconductor projects.
During Modi’s July visit to the UK, both governments announced plans to create a joint AI center, further solidifying the growing tech cooperation between the two nations.
Trade, Security, and Critical Minerals
Another significant aspect of the visit will be discussions around the UK-India trade deal signed earlier this year. Both leaders are expected to look at the progress of the agreement, with an eye on sectors that may need further attention or improvement, particularly in terms of regulation. This will be part of a joint economic trade council meeting aimed at ensuring the trade deal delivers tangible value as it enters into force.
In addition to trade, collaboration on critical minerals is advancing quickly. The second phase of the UK-India Critical Minerals Supply Chain Observatory is set to begin, marking another major step in the partnership.
A Business Delegation for Growth
Starmer will bring a delegation of business leaders to India, including those focused on critical minerals and education. These sectors will be integral to the discussions around how both countries can further their economic cooperation and strengthen their respective industries in these high-demand fields.
Closing
Starmer’s visit to India underscores the UK’s commitment to deepening ties with one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. As both countries work together on critical technologies and trade, their partnership continues to evolve, with the potential for groundbreaking advancements in multiple sectors. This story may be updated with more information as the visit unfolds.
