Mumbai, October 8:
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in Mumbai on Wednesday for his first official visit to India since taking office in 2024. The visit began on a lighter note when the British PM watched a film with Bollywood actress Rani Mukherjee at the iconic Yash Raj Studios. Starmer also met with the studio’s CEO, Akshaye Vidhani, during the visit. However, the name of the film he watched has not yet been revealed.
This marks a significant cultural engagement as part of Starmer’s broader agenda to deepen trade, technology, and cultural collaboration between India and the United Kingdom.
First Visit to India as Prime Minister
Starmer arrived in Mumbai along with a delegation of over 100 representatives, including leaders from business, technology, and cultural sectors. Among them are key figures from industries such as IT, automobile manufacturing, and finance, aiming to build stronger investment partnerships with India.
According to media reports, British PM Starmer is expected to attend a football event at Cooperage Ground and later meet with India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar this evening.
On October 9, Starmer is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the development of bilateral cooperation under the “Vision 2030” framework.
Focus on Trade and Economic Growth
The visit is seen as a major step to boost the India–UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signed earlier in July 2025. The agreement aims to double bilateral trade to $120 billion by 2030, opening up new markets for Indian textiles, leather, and agricultural products in the UK.
Experts believe Starmer’s visit will play a key role in taking India-UK business relations to the next level, particularly in trade and manufacturing sectors.
Upon arrival, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, welcomed the British leader at Mumbai Airport.
Four Key Agendas of Starmer’s India Visit
Starmer’s official visit focuses on four major pillars of cooperation between the two nations:
- Trade and Investment:
Both countries recently signed a major trade agreement aimed at expanding opportunities for businesses and creating new jobs. Discussions will center on increasing collaboration in retail, technology, and services. - Technology and Innovation:
The UK and India are set to work together in FinTech, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Quantum Computing, and Cybersecurity. These fields represent the next frontier of economic growth and secure digital transformation. - Defense and Security:
Talks will include measures to counter terrorism, monitor Khalistani extremist activities, and enhance cooperation in tracking financial crimes. - Climate, Energy, Health, Education, and People-to-People Relations:
Both nations will focus on environmental protection, clean energy initiatives, healthcare collaboration, and strengthening educational and cultural ties.
Participation in Global FinTech Fest 2025
Prime Ministers Modi and Starmer will jointly attend the Global FinTech Fest 2025 in Mumbai, the world’s largest FinTech gathering, being held from October 7–9.
The event’s theme centers on “AI-Powered Finance for the Future”, with discussions on making financial technology more inclusive, efficient, and globally competitive. The conference will host over 100,000 participants from 75 countries, including 7,500 companies, 800 speakers, 400 exhibitors, and 70 regulators from across the world.
This platform is expected to create new opportunities for FinTech startups and deepen the financial ties between India and the UK.
Next Stop: Bengaluru – The Tech Hub of India
After Mumbai, British PM Starmer will head to Bengaluru, India’s leading technology hub, where he will engage with tech entrepreneurs, startups, and industry leaders.
His agenda includes promoting the India-UK Technology Security Initiative (TSI)—a program focusing on cooperation in AI, Quantum Computing, Biotechnology, and Semiconductors. The discussions will explore new investment avenues and innovation-driven partnerships.
Starmer is expected to encourage British firms to increase investments in India’s technology and manufacturing sectors, generating employment and supporting India’s digital transformation.
He will also meet with Bengaluru-based startups, inviting them to expand into the UK market and explore cross-border collaboration in innovation and R&D.
Also read: 3 Scientists Win 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics for Groundbreaking Quantum Mechanics Research
A Symbol of Growing Cultural and Economic Partnership
British PM Keir Starmer’s meeting with Rani Mukherjee at Yash Raj Studios symbolizes a renewed cultural bridge between Bollywood and Britain, while his business and diplomatic engagements highlight a serious commitment to strengthening the strategic partnership between the two democracies.
As India and the UK move forward under the Vision 2030 roadmap, Starmer’s visit marks an important milestone in redefining bilateral relations — blending cinema, culture, commerce, and cooperation in one dynamic narrative.
