Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer held a pivotal meeting in Mumbai on Thursday, aiming to enhance bilateral cooperation in trade, defense, and technology. This marked Starmer’s first official visit to India since assuming office in July 2024, underscoring the growing importance of India as a global economic hub. The two-day visit, which began on Wednesday, aligns with India’s intensified efforts to attract international investment to fuel its rapidly expanding economy. During the talks, the leaders emphasized advancing a trade agreement initially signed during Modi’s visit to London in July. They also explored collaboration in digital infrastructure, critical minerals, and education. A significant defense deal was inked, enabling Britain to supply India with missiles, launchers, and electric-powered engines for naval ships. Modi highlighted the natural partnership between the two nations, describing it as a cornerstone of global stability and economic progress. He announced agreements on military training cooperation and plans for nine UK universities to establish campuses in India. Starmer, accompanied by a 125-member delegation comprising business, academic, and cultural leaders, emphasized the potential of the trade deal to spur growth and job creation in both countries. The agreement, set to be implemented within a year, will reduce tariffs on key exports such as Scotch whisky, English gin, and Indian spices, potentially boosting bilateral trade by $34 billion and increasing UK exports to India by nearly 60%. The leaders also discussed Indo-Pacific stability, the Ukraine conflict, and developments in Gaza, with Starmer expressing relief over the initial phase of an Israel-Hamas peace plan.