UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in Mumbai on Wednesday, marking his first official visit to India, accompanied by the largest trade mission in the history of UK-India relations. The delegation, comprising 125 CEOs, entrepreneurs, university vice-chancellors, and cultural leaders, aims to capitalise on the momentum of the landmark UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signed in July 2024.
Starmer described the agreement as “the best secured by any country,” highlighting India’s rapid economic growth. “With India set to become the third-largest economy in the world by 2028, and trade set to become quicker and cheaper, the opportunities waiting to be seized are unparalleled,” he said, urging swift implementation of the deal.
Starmer Explores Bollywood Studios and Announces UK-Based Productions
On his first day in Mumbai, Starmer toured the iconic Yash Raj Films studios and met actor Rani Mukherji. In a significant announcement, the company revealed plans to launch three major productions in the UK next year, reflecting the growing cultural collaboration between the two countries.
Hailing UK PM's vision, Yash Raj Films CEO Akshaye Widhani said, "The UK holds a very special place in our hearts and some of our most iconic films, including Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ) were shot in this beautiful and incredibly hospitable country. We were honoured to host the UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, at YRF today to sign this pact, and we also had the pleasure of discussing how India and the UK could come together to shape the global content landscape through landmark collaborations like this. "
During his Mumbai visit, Starmer also took part in a light-hearted moment by taking a selfie with a disposable camera while interacting with business leaders at the Taj Mahal Palace, demonstrating a personal touch amid formal trade discussions.
Prime Ministers Modi and Starmer Set to Discuss 'Vision 2035' Roadmap for Strategic Partnership
Today on Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will host Starmer for discussions on the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, following the framework of ‘Vision 2035’, a focused, ten-year roadmap covering trade, technology, innovation, defence, security, climate, energy, health, education, and people-to-people ties.
Both leaders are expected to review progress on economic cooperation, regional security, and global issues, while exploring opportunities presented by the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). The agreement, worth £25.5 billion annually, includes tariff reductions on goods such as textiles, whisky, and cars, boosting competitiveness for Indian exports in the UK and vice versa.
India Extends a Warm Welcome as Starmer Joins Diwali Festivities in Mumbai
Mumbai rolled out a vibrant welcome for Starmer, with large billboards along Marine Drive and adjoining areas displaying images of Prime Ministers Modi and Starmer with the message “Warm Welcome.”
A 39-second video shared by MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on X captured the festive spirit, highlighting Starmer’s interactions with locals and his participation in lighting diyas, symbolising India’s deep cultural ties with the UK.
Starmer praised the India-UK trade partnership as “really important,” noting that this visit represents the “return leg” after Modi’s trip to the UK earlier this year.
Starmer to Engage with Business Leaders and UK Firms Look to Expand in India
The UK Prime Minister’s delegation includes major household names such as Rolls Royce, British Airways, and the London Stock Exchange. Starmer has pledged to secure opportunities for these firms in the Indian market, particularly in sectors expected to benefit from the FTA, including textiles, leather, footwear, sports goods, and engineering.
He emphasised the significance of this trade mission, calling it the largest the UK has ever sent to India and the biggest trade deal India has signed since its independence. The FTA is projected to create thousands of jobs in both countries while enhancing market access and reducing tariffs.
Starmer and Modi to Attend Global Fintech Fest and Strengthen Innovation Collaboration
As part of his visit, both Prime Ministers will participate in the 6th edition of the Global Fintech Fest in Mumbai, delivering keynote addresses and engaging with policymakers, innovators, and industry experts.
This visit builds on the momentum generated by Modi’s visit to the UK in July 2024, providing an opportunity to reaffirm the forward-looking partnership between India and the United Kingdom.
Starmer’s visit isn’t just about trade, it also highlights the growing cultural, educational, and tech connections between the UK and India, paving the way for a decade of close collaboration under Vision 2035.
Starmer described the agreement as “the best secured by any country,” highlighting India’s rapid economic growth. “With India set to become the third-largest economy in the world by 2028, and trade set to become quicker and cheaper, the opportunities waiting to be seized are unparalleled,” he said, urging swift implementation of the deal.
Starmer Explores Bollywood Studios and Announces UK-Based Productions
On his first day in Mumbai, Starmer toured the iconic Yash Raj Films studios and met actor Rani Mukherji. In a significant announcement, the company revealed plans to launch three major productions in the UK next year, reflecting the growing cultural collaboration between the two countries.
Hailing UK PM's vision, Yash Raj Films CEO Akshaye Widhani said, "The UK holds a very special place in our hearts and some of our most iconic films, including Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ) were shot in this beautiful and incredibly hospitable country. We were honoured to host the UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, at YRF today to sign this pact, and we also had the pleasure of discussing how India and the UK could come together to shape the global content landscape through landmark collaborations like this. "
During his Mumbai visit, Starmer also took part in a light-hearted moment by taking a selfie with a disposable camera while interacting with business leaders at the Taj Mahal Palace, demonstrating a personal touch amid formal trade discussions.
I met some football fans in Mumbai today.
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) October 8, 2025
I’m hugely proud of our national sport, it brings communities together.
That’s why the Premier League’s training programme in India is so impressive: coaching future professionals, and showing the world what British sport can do. pic.twitter.com/idhmIR7Ufn
Prime Ministers Modi and Starmer Set to Discuss 'Vision 2035' Roadmap for Strategic Partnership
Today on Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will host Starmer for discussions on the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, following the framework of ‘Vision 2035’, a focused, ten-year roadmap covering trade, technology, innovation, defence, security, climate, energy, health, education, and people-to-people ties.
Both leaders are expected to review progress on economic cooperation, regional security, and global issues, while exploring opportunities presented by the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). The agreement, worth £25.5 billion annually, includes tariff reductions on goods such as textiles, whisky, and cars, boosting competitiveness for Indian exports in the UK and vice versa.
India Extends a Warm Welcome as Starmer Joins Diwali Festivities in Mumbai
Mumbai rolled out a vibrant welcome for Starmer, with large billboards along Marine Drive and adjoining areas displaying images of Prime Ministers Modi and Starmer with the message “Warm Welcome.”
A 39-second video shared by MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on X captured the festive spirit, highlighting Starmer’s interactions with locals and his participation in lighting diyas, symbolising India’s deep cultural ties with the UK.
Mumbai gives a special welcome to PM @Keir_Starmer of UK
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) October 8, 2025
🇮🇳 🇬🇧 pic.twitter.com/8h0Tc383zi
Starmer praised the India-UK trade partnership as “really important,” noting that this visit represents the “return leg” after Modi’s trip to the UK earlier this year.
Starmer to Engage with Business Leaders and UK Firms Look to Expand in India
The UK Prime Minister’s delegation includes major household names such as Rolls Royce, British Airways, and the London Stock Exchange. Starmer has pledged to secure opportunities for these firms in the Indian market, particularly in sectors expected to benefit from the FTA, including textiles, leather, footwear, sports goods, and engineering.
He emphasised the significance of this trade mission, calling it the largest the UK has ever sent to India and the biggest trade deal India has signed since its independence. The FTA is projected to create thousands of jobs in both countries while enhancing market access and reducing tariffs.
Starmer and Modi to Attend Global Fintech Fest and Strengthen Innovation Collaboration
As part of his visit, both Prime Ministers will participate in the 6th edition of the Global Fintech Fest in Mumbai, delivering keynote addresses and engaging with policymakers, innovators, and industry experts.
This visit builds on the momentum generated by Modi’s visit to the UK in July 2024, providing an opportunity to reaffirm the forward-looking partnership between India and the United Kingdom.
Starmer’s visit isn’t just about trade, it also highlights the growing cultural, educational, and tech connections between the UK and India, paving the way for a decade of close collaboration under Vision 2035.
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