Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to welcome his British counterpart, Sir Keir Starmer, on October 8–9, 2025, during the UK leader’s first official visit to India. The two-day visit signifies a major step in advancing the India–UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with both leaders scheduled to participate in landmark events in Mumbai, including infrastructure inaugurations and the 6th Global Fintech Fest (GFF) at the Jio World Centre.
PM Modi will begin his engagements in Navi Mumbai around 3 p.m., where he will tour and inaugurate the much-anticipated Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA). Built under a Public-Private Partnership model at an estimated cost of $2.35 billion, NMIA represents India’s largest Greenfield airport project. The airport is designed to complement the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, easing congestion and establishing Mumbai as a dual-airport hub. Once fully operational, NMIA will handle up to 90 million passengers annually and manage over 3.25 million metric tonnes of cargo.
The airport features cutting-edge facilities including an Automated People Mover, a solar power capacity of 47 MW, storage for Sustainable Aviation Fuel, electric bus networks, and India’s first airport water taxi connection — aligning with Modi’s vision to position India as a global aviation hub.
Later, the Prime Minister will inaugurate Phase 2B of the Mumbai Metro Line-3, a $1.47 billion expansion linking Acharya Atre Chowk to Cuffe Parade. This underground metro system spans 33.5 kilometers and connects major commercial and heritage districts like Fort, Marine Drive, and Nariman Point. Designed for seamless intermodal integration, the metro is expected to serve about 1.3 million passengers daily.
To improve urban mobility, Modi will also unveil Mumbai One — an integrated transport app merging 11 public transit systems into one digital platform. The app will enable mobile ticketing, real-time travel updates, digital payments, and safety alerts for millions of commuters.
On October 9, PM Modi will formally receive UK PM Keir Starmer in Mumbai, marking Starmer’s first trip to India since taking office. The leaders will assess the progress of the India–UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership under the “Vision 2035” framework, focusing on trade, innovation, climate collaboration, and defense. Discussions will also center around the India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), which aims to deepen economic engagement and expand bilateral investments.
At the Jio World Centre, both leaders will attend the CEO Forum and deliver keynote addresses at the Global Fintech Fest 2025, themed “Empowering Finance for a Better World.” The event will bring together more than 100,000 participants from 75 countries, including central banks, financial regulators, and fintech innovators. The presence of major global institutions such as the Monetary Authority of Singapore, Deutsche Bundesbank, Banque de France, and FINMA highlights India’s growing leadership in global financial policy.
Additionally, Modi will launch the Short-Term Employability Programme (STEP), a skill development initiative focused on AI, IoT, EVs, solar technology, and advanced manufacturing. Implemented across 400 Industrial Training Institutes and 150 schools, STEP will create 2,500 new training batches, promoting youth employability and women’s participation in high-growth sectors.
The joint visit of Modi and Starmer symbolizes the strengthening of India–UK collaboration in innovation, trade, and education — reinforcing Mumbai’s position as a dynamic global hub for technology, finance, and sustainable development.
