India-UK Ties a Pillar of Global Stability: PM Modi After Talks with Keir Starmer

October 9, 2025

Mumbai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that in the current era of global uncertainty, the partnership between India and the UK continues to serve as a key pillar of global stability and economic progress. He added that on the Ukraine conflict and the Gaza crisis, India supports all peace efforts through dialogue and diplomacy.

After meeting UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Raj Bhavan, PM Modi said the two leaders exchanged views on Indo-Pacific and West Asia stability, along with the Ukraine war. He underlined India’s full commitment to enhancing maritime security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.

Shared Values and Strong Community Link

Calling India and the UK “natural partners,” Modi said the relationship rests on shared values of democracy, freedom, and the rule of law. He highlighted the 1.8 million-strong Indian diaspora in the UK as a “living bridge” that strengthens bilateral cooperation.

Expanding Defence and Education Ties

The two leaders reached an agreement on military training cooperation, under which Indian Air Force instructors will train at the UK’s Royal Air Force.
On education, Modi welcomed the opening of nine UK university campuses in India, including the recently inaugurated Southampton University campus in Gurugram, which has already admitted its first batch of students.

India and the UK will also establish an Industry Guild and Supply Chain Observatory focused on critical minerals, with a satellite campus to be set up at ISM Dhanbad, the Prime Minister announced.

Comprehensive Trade Agreement Boost

Praising Starmer’s leadership, PM Modi said India-UK ties have seen “remarkable progress.” He recalled signing the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) during his visit to the UK in July. He described Starmer’s visit to India, accompanied by the UK’s largest-ever business and education delegation, as a symbol of “new energy and broader vision” in the partnership.