UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to arrive in India next week for his inaugural official visit, a critical two-day trip scheduled for October 8–9, 2025, aimed at accelerating the newly signed Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and strengthening the bilateral strategic partnership. The visit, which follows an invitation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will center on high-level talks in Mumbai where the leaders will review the ambitious 'Vision 2035' roadmap and jointly headline a major global finance event. The focus will be on transitioning the recent trade agreement from finalisation into full-scale implementation, alongside addressing key security and people-to-people issues.
CETA Implementation Dominates Economic Agenda
The centerpiece of PM Starmer’s discussions with Prime Minister Modi will be the prompt implementation of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), a landmark free trade pact finalised during PM Modi's trip to the UK in July 2025. The agreement, which is expected to come into effect next year, is a foundational pillar for the future India-UK economic partnership.
The core objectives and expected outcomes of CETA, according to official statements, are significant:
- Bilateral Trade Target: The agreement aims to double bilateral trade between the two nations, with some projections targeting an increase to \$120 billion by 2030.
- Market Access for India: CETA grants India zero-duty access on nearly 99% of its tariff lines into the UK market.
- Key Sector Benefits: The deal is set to cut tariffs on a range of UK goods, including Scotch whisky and cars, while opening new opportunities for Indian exports in sectors such as textiles, marine products, leather, and gems and jewellery.
- Services Sector Expansion: The pact also features improved market access for service industries, including IT, financial, legal, and educational services.
The two leaders are scheduled to engage directly with business and industry leaders in Mumbai on October 9 to explore the commercial opportunities presented by the agreement.
Advancing the 'Vision 2035' Strategic Roadmap
Beyond trade, the visit is designed to take stock of the broader India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which is governed by the 'Vision 2035' roadmap—a focused, time-bound, 10-year plan. The discussions will build on the momentum created in July 2025 when the two sides signed a defence industrial roadmap to promote co-development and co-production of key defence products.
The Vision 2035 roadmap covers a wide array of cooperative pillars, underscoring the deep and multi-faceted nature of the relationship:
- Defence and Security: Reviewing progress on the defence industrial roadmap and enhancing security cooperation, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.
- Technology and Innovation: Focusing on collaboration in emerging technologies, including the digital economy and Artificial Intelligence.
- Climate and Energy: Discussing joint initiatives to accelerate the green transition and investment in renewable energy.
- Social and Cultural Ties: Strengthening people-to-people relations, health, and education links.
The bilateral talks will also include an exchange of views on pressing regional and global issues, reaffirming the shared democratic values of both nations.
Fintech Focus and Geopolitical Undercurrents
A significant part of the Prime Minister’s itinerary involves attending and delivering a keynote address at the 6th edition of the Global Fintech Fest (GFF) in Mumbai. His presence at the GFF, alongside PM Modi, highlights the growing importance of the financial technology sector in the bilateral relationship, with the UK seeking to align its global financial services expertise with India's rapidly expanding digital public infrastructure.
Meanwhile, the visit is also expected to address sensitive geopolitical and security concerns that have strained relations at times. India’s agenda is anticipated to include discussions on its campaign against terrorism, specifically raising the activities of pro-Khalistan elements operating within the UK. Furthermore, the return of economic offenders and fugitives wanted by New Delhi is also expected to be a subject of the high-level dialogue.
Keir Starmer’s first official visit marks a pivotal moment, cementing the post-Brexit, forward-looking partnership between the UK and one of the world's fastest-growing major economies, aiming to translate strategic vision into tangible economic and security cooperation.