Mumbai, Oct 9 (NationPress) UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated on Thursday that the collaboration between the two nations is ideally positioned to accomplish the ambitious India-UK Vision 2035 roadmap, and measures are being taken to enhance bilateral relations over the next decade.

Following his meeting with PM Narendra Modi at Raj Bhavan, he remarked, “We finalized a significant trade agreement with India in July -- the most advantageous secured by any nation -- but this is just the beginning. It’s not merely a document; it’s a catalyst for growth. Today, we are accelerating trade and investment flows, with prospects in AI, quantum computing, biotechnology, critical minerals, and beyond.”

“The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) is projected to enhance bilateral trade by £25.5 billion annually, elevate the UK GDP by £4.8 billion, and generate thousands of jobs -- particularly in sectors such as Scotch whisky exports, which could reach £1 billion annually to India alone,” he mentioned.

He added that shared values such as democracy, freedom, and the rule of law are fundamental to the relationship between the two nations.

Starmer characterized the India-UK trade partnership as “extremely significant” and underscored the importance of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) signed in July.

He highlighted economic connections, noting the largest-ever UK trade delegation accompanying him, and emphasized defense cooperation and fintech collaboration, as both leaders later attended the Global Fintech Fest 2025.

PM Starmer commended the Gaza peace agreement and reiterated his support for reforming the UN Security Council (UNSC) to include India as a permanent member, stressing the necessity for a more representative and effective international body.

Previously, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal stated that his discussions with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer further reinforced the trade and economic partnership aimed at mutual prosperity.

Starmer arrived in India for a two-day visit on Wednesday, accompanied by the largest trade delegation from the UK to India.

“I am pleased to meet UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. We explored ways to deepen the India-UK trade and economic partnership for mutual prosperity,” Goyal shared on the X social media platform.

Goyal previously met with Peter Kyle, the UK’s Secretary of State for Business and Trade, to advance the operationalization of the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and double bilateral trade by 2030.

“This meeting marked a crucial step towards implementing the India-UK CETA, with both Ministers agreeing to reposition the Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) to oversee its execution and success,” according to a statement from the Commerce Ministry.