Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visit to India in October 2025 represented a watershed moment in the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The trip highlighted both nations’ renewed ambition to drive technology-led growth, foster innovation, enhance climate cooperation, and deepen educational exchange. The visit wrapped up with 12 major agreements, underscoring a broad-based approach to strengthening bilateral ties that extends far beyond traditional trade.
The partnership’s focus on technology and innovation was a central theme. The two nations agreed to the establishment of both an India-UK Connectivity and Innovation Centre and an India-UK Joint Centre for AI.
Additionally, they launched the second phase of the Critical Minerals Supply Chain Observatory and established a new satellite campus at IIT-ISM Dhanbad. These initiatives are designed to secure resilient supply chains and promote green technologies, reflecting a shared commitment to building a sustainable and technologically advanced future.
In education and trade, the visit laid the groundwork for significant collaboration. In-principle approval was given for the opening of a campus of the University of Surrey in GIFT City, while a Letter of Intent was handed over for the establishment of a Lancaster University campus in Bengaluru. This will enhance educational exchange and create new opportunities for students in both countries.
On the economic front, the reconstituted India-UK CEO Forum held its inaugural meeting. Both nations agreed to a reset of the Joint Economic Trade Committee (JETCO) to drive economic growth and support the implementation of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).
A new joint investment in the Climate Technology Startup Fund, under a renewed partnership between the UK Government and the State Bank of India, was also launched to support innovative entrepreneurs.
The collaboration also extended to crucial global challenges in climate, health, and research. The two sides launched the third phase of the Bio-Medical Research Career Program and established a joint Offshore Wind Taskforce.
An official Letter of Intent was also signed between the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) in the United Kingdom, solidifying their commitment to health research.
These agreements demonstrate a forward-looking partnership built on shared values and a joint resolve to tackle some of the world’s most pressing issues.
