THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
Mumbai, Oct 9: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his British counterpart Keir Starmer on Thursday held extensive discussions aimed at deepening India–UK cooperation in critical areas including trade, defence, security and emerging technologies.
Starmer arrived in Mumbai on Wednesday with a 125-member delegation comprising leading British business figures, educationists and entrepreneurs for a two-day visit that comes close on the heels of a significant trade breakthrough between the two nations.
The landmark free trade agreement, finalised in July during Modi’s London visit, is designed to cut tariffs, ease market access and potentially double bilateral trade by 2030.
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The British Prime Minister underscored the strategic importance of this pact, describing it as a major economic turning point that positions both countries for faster, more efficient trade.
India’s projected rise as the world’s third-largest economy by 2028 has added to the momentum behind this new phase of economic engagement.
During the dialogue in New Delhi, the Indian side is also expected to convey concerns over the activities of certain pro-Khalistan groups operating from British soil and reiterated its demand for the extradition of fugitive businessmen, including Vijay Mallya and Nirav Modi.
The visit reflects a shared push to turn the recently signed trade pact into a broader strategic partnership.
