During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day UK visit, a landmark trade agreement was finalized with his British counterpart Keir Starmer, marking a new chapter in bilateral relations. At a joint press conference, the two leaders shared a light-hearted moment when Modi suggested mixing English with translations, promptingStarmer to remark, “I think we understand each other well.”
Modi went on to compare the growing India-UK relationship to a cricket match, saying, “There may be a swing and a miss at times, but we always play with a straight bat,” drawing on the sport’s shared cultural significance and current Test series between the two nations.
The event marked the signing of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), which aims to deepen cooperation across various sectors. Modi highlighted that the deal is more than a commercial arrangement—it’s a roadmap for shared growth. It expands Indian access to the UK market for textiles, gems, footwear, engineering goods, seafood, and agricultural produce.
For India, the agreement offers substantial gains, particularly for young professionals, farmers, fishers, and small businesses. On the UK side, Indian markets will open up to British products like medical equipment and aerospace parts, improving affordability and accessibility.
Alongside the trade deal, a consensus was reached on the Double Contribution Convention, which is expected to invigorate service sectors in both nations—especially finance and technology—by streamlining operations and improving business confidence.
The agreement also enables the UK to benefit from skilled Indian professionals, while enhancing employment and investment prospects for both economies. According to Modi, these collaborative steps between two vibrant democracies will not only drive mutual growth but also reinforce global economic stability and resilience.
With smiles, cricket references, and signed pacts, the visit emphasized diplomacy with a human touch—laying a strong foundation for the India-UK Vision 2035.
