New Delhi, Oct 9: India and the United Kingdom on Thursday announced a broad range of initiatives covering critical minerals, higher education, defence co-production, and Bollywood film production, following a bilateral meeting in Mumbai between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his British counterpart, Keir Starmer. This was the first high-level meeting after the two countries signed a free trade agreement (FTA) in July.
During the joint press briefing, Modi highlighted the growing technology partnership between the two countries. “We are focusing on combining the UK’s industrial expertise and R&D with India’s talent and scale,” he said, underlining the potential of collaborative innovation.
On critical minerals—vital for electronics and military applications—Modi announced the establishment of an Industry Guild and a supply chain observatory, with a satellite campus to be hosted at ISM Dhanbad. “These initiatives will strengthen collaboration in sourcing and developing critical minerals,” he added.
Starmer emphasized the defence and technology dimension, noting the existing India-UK technology security initiative. “The UK and India stand side by side as global leaders in technology and innovation. We are expanding cooperation on advanced technologies and defence,” he said.
The two leaders also welcomed the formation of the India-UK Offshore Wind Task Force and the Climate Technology Startup Fund, which aim to support entrepreneurs and innovators working in climate technology and AI across both nations.
Education emerged as a key theme of Starmer’s visit, with the British Prime Minister leading the largest delegation from the UK’s education sector to India. Modi noted, “Nine UK universities are opening campuses in India. The Gurugram campus of Southampton University was recently inaugurated, and the first group of students has already enrolled.” Construction of three other campuses is underway.
Cultural collaboration was highlighted as Starmer announced plans to produce more Bollywood movies in the UK, aiming to strengthen creative industry ties.
On defence, Modi said, “We are moving towards defence co-production. We are connecting the industries of both countries.” The two sides signed an agreement on military training, under which Indian Air Force flying instructors will serve as trainers in the UK’s Royal Air Force. Both leaders stressed the growing security partnership in the Indo-Pacific, with Modi noting, “We are fully committed to enhancing maritime and security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.” Starmer added, “The need for stability and security in the Indo Pacific is critical.”
Regarding the July FTA, Modi said the pact will reduce import costs, create new employment opportunities, and benefit industries and consumers in both countries. Starmer also expressed support for India’s bid for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council and highlighted the need to expand joint naval exercises. During the bilateral meeting, carrier battle groups from both nations were conducting a week-long exercise in the Arabian Sea.
The discussions are expected to continue later in the day with the India-UK CEO Forum, where both governments aim to further strengthen trade and investment ties.
