India and the United Kingdom have taken a major step forward in strengthening their defence and trade relations during Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s maiden visit to India since assuming office. On October 9, 2025, both nations signed crucial agreements advancing the Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA) and finalised a defence contract worth $445 million for the U.K. to supply advanced missiles to India. The new deals mark a significant boost to bilateral cooperation in strategic, economic, and technological sectors.
Accompanied by a high-profile delegation of nearly 100 members, including entrepreneurs, cultural leaders, and university vice-chancellors, Prime Minister Starmer arrived in Mumbai for a two-day visit. The trip aimed to capitalise on the opportunities emerging from the India-U.K. CETA, which was concluded in July. Both countries are expected to benefit from expanded trade flows, innovation-driven partnerships, and enhanced market access under this agreement.
Starmer’s visit also highlighted cultural and creative collaboration between the two nations. The British Film Institute (BFI) and India’s National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to promote joint film projects and co-productions. The agreement, finalised in the presence of BFI Governors Monica Chadha and Andrew Smith, who were part of Starmer’s trade delegation, is expected to boost creative exchange and industry linkages between filmmakers and studios in both countries.
On the sidelines of these agreements, Prime Minister Starmer visited Yash Raj Films (YRF) studios, where he lauded Bollywood’s revival and expressed the U.K.’s interest in expanding film collaborations with India. He emphasised that cultural diplomacy, alongside trade and defence cooperation, forms the foundation of a stronger, forward-looking partnership between New Delhi and London.
The visit reflects the growing strategic alignment between the two democracies, with both leaders reaffirming their shared vision for a future-oriented partnership built on innovation, security, and cultural exchange. With these latest agreements, India and the U.K. are poised to elevate their relationship to a new phase of mutual growth and global collaboration.
