United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer will travel to India from October 8 to 9 to attend an international finance conference and hold high-level talks with Indian leadership. The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed the visit on Saturday, noting that it is expected to deepen bilateral ties across trade, technology, defence, and security at a time of shifting global dynamics.
Starmer&rsquo;s trip comes shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi&rsquo;s visit to Britain in July, during which the two countries signed a landmark free trade agreement (FTA). The pact, now in the process of ratification, is expected to take effect next year.
<h3 data-start="792" data-end="814">Bilateral agenda</h3>
The two leaders are scheduled to meet in Mumbai, where they will also take part in the Global Fintech Fest 2025. Talks are expected to focus on accelerating the implementation of the India&ndash;UK FTA, which could expand bilateral trade by $35 billion, reduce tariffs on products such as whisky and textiles, and enhance mutual market access.
The discussions will also cover the impact of US policies under President Donald Trump, which have had wide-ranging consequences for both India and the UK. Additionally, the leaders will review progress under the Vision 2035 roadmap, aimed at cooperation in defence, technology, climate change, and migration. The Defence Industrial Roadmap for joint development of military hardware is also expected to be on the table.
<h3 data-start="1600" data-end="1637">Security and strategic concerns</h3>
Issues of security and counterterrorism are likely to figure prominently. India is expected to raise concerns about the activities of pro-Khalistan groups in the UK, the extradition of economic fugitives wanted in India, and broader cooperation in tackling global terrorism.
During his July trip to Britain, PM Modi underlined the need for a unified stance against terrorism, stressing that &ldquo;forces with extremist ideology cannot be allowed to misuse democratic freedoms.&rdquo; His remarks were seen as a veiled reference to pro-Khalistan elements.
Starmer&rsquo;s maiden visit to India as Prime Minister will therefore serve not only as a follow-up to the FTA but also as an opportunity to consolidate the partnership in trade, security, and global governance.

Keir Starmer to visit India on October 8–9

UK PM’s India trip to focus on trade, defence, security and review of India–UK FTA

Keir Starmer to visit India on October 8–9

UK PM’s India trip to focus on trade, defence, security and review of India–UK FTA

October 5, 2025 | 01:48 IST