Are India and the UK Natural Partners in Global Stability and Economic Progress?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- India and the UK share fundamental democratic values.
- The partnership is crucial for addressing global challenges.
- Educational collaboration is expanding with UK universities opening campuses in India.
- Military training cooperation is being strengthened.
- The Indian community in the UK plays a vital role in bilateral relations.
Mumbai, Oct 9 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi remarked on Thursday that amidst the prevailing global uncertainty, the alliance between India and the UK stands as a crucial pillar of global stability and economic advancement. He emphasized that regarding the Ukraine conflict and the situation in Gaza, New Delhi advocates for all initiatives aimed at restoring peace through dialogue and diplomacy.
Following a meeting with the visiting UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Raj Bhavan, PM Modi stated, “We discussed peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific and West Asia, along with the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. We are wholly committed to bolstering maritime security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.”
“India and the UK are indeed natural partners. Our relationship is founded on shared values such as democracy, freedom, and the rule of law. In this era of global instability, the deepening partnership between our nations continues to be a significant foundation for global stability and economic progress,” said the Prime Minister.
“The 1.8 million-strong Indian community in the UK serves as a living bridge for our partnership. Their invaluable contributions to British society and the economy enhance the friendship and cooperation between our two nations. The dynamism of India and the expertise of the UK create a unique synergy. Our partnership is reliable and powered by talent and technology. From defense and security to education and innovation, we are adding new dimensions to the India-UK relationship,” PM Modi stated.
“We have established an agreement for cooperation in military training, wherein Indian Air Force Flying Instructors will serve as trainers in the UK's Royal Air Force,” the PM added.
“Today, alongside Prime Minister Starmer, we welcomed the largest and most influential delegation from the education sector to date. It brings great joy that nine UK universities are set to inaugurate campuses in India. The Gurugram campus of Southampton University has recently been opened, with the first group of students already admitted,” he noted.
Furthermore, PM Modi mentioned that India and the UK have decided to create an Industry Guild and Supply Chain Observatory for collaboration on critical minerals, with a satellite campus at ISM Dhanbad.
“Under Prime Minister Starmer’s leadership, we have witnessed remarkable progress in India-UK relations. During my visit to the UK this past July, we signed the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). Your visit to India just months post-Agreement, accompanied by the largest business delegation, symbolizes the renewed energy and broader vision in the India-UK partnership,” concluded PM Modi.