Context
- British PM Keir Starmer visiting India (Oct 2025) for two days; first visit since assuming office in July 2024.
- Visit is reciprocal: follows PM Modi’s UK visit in July 2025.
- During Modi’s UK visit, India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) was signed.
- The FTA has bipartisan support in the UK, reflecting continuity in India-UK relations despite domestic political changes.
- Boris Johnson initiated FTA negotiations in 2022; Starmer pursued early conclusion after Labour’s election win.
Relevance :
- GS2 – International Relations
- Bilateral trade and diplomatic ties; strategic partnership with the UK.
- GS3 – Economy & Science & Technology
- FTA, trade volumes, investment, innovation hubs, joint R&D in AI/quantum.
- Defence tech collaboration, emerging technologies, and industrial growth.
Strategic & Political Significance
- India-UK ties offer stability and predictability in an uncertain global environment (e.g., US policy unpredictability).
- Starmer prioritizes India as a key bilateral partner, signaling long-term strategic interest.
- The Vision 2035 document provides a roadmap for comprehensive bilateral cooperation.
Vision 2035: Key Pillars
- Economic Growth & Trade – mutual prosperity goals.
- Education & Skills Partnership – joint programs, talent mobility.
- Tourism & Culture – expanding soft power engagement.
- Science & Technology Cooperation – joint research, innovation, AI, quantum technology.
- Defence & Security – co-development of advanced technologies.
- Climate & Critical Economic Cooperation – joint initiatives on sustainable development and tech transfer.
Economic Cooperation
- Bilateral trade (goods + services) ~£38 billion by 2023-end; aim to double in 10 years.
- UK investments in India increased by 120% since 2016.
- Indian exports to the UK valued at ~£15 billion.
- Early FTA “harvest deals” resolved issues like Indian whisky exports.
- FTA expected to enhance market access, reduce tariffs, and facilitate investment flows.
Research & Innovation
- India-UK Science and Innovation Council (SIC) oversees bilateral R&D collaboration biennially.
- UK = India’s second largest research & innovation partner; 400+ collaborative projects; £300–400 million joint programmes.
- May 2024: 20 AI and quantum grants announced, reinforcing focus on emerging tech.
- UK-India Innovation Hub at University of Surrey; AI Innovation branch campus at GIFT IFSC, Gujarat.
Defence Cooperation
- Defence Industrial Roadmap launched July 2024: joint research and co-development of future defence systems.
- Focus areas: jet engines, maritime power, cybersecurity, complex weapons.
- Participation by major UK companies: Rolls-Royce, BAE Systems.
- Framework planned for SMEs, startups, and defence manufacturers.
Education & Skills Mobility
- 140,000 Indian students in the UK.
- Migration and Mobility Pathway (July 2025) facilitates:
- Transition from studies to graduate jobs.
- Easier entry for dependents and family reunification.
- Young Professionals Scheme: ~3,000 Indian professionals migrate annually to the UK.
Connectivity & Cultural Exchange
- Aviation links: direct Mumbai–Manchester flights; restored and streamlined services (March 2024).
- Fast-track public services: visa, health services enhanced (March 2024).
- Film Co-Production Framework: updated July 2024; simplifies procedures and incentives for joint India-UK film projects.
Comprehensive Overview
- Economic: FTA expected to deepen trade, diversify investment, and strengthen supply chains, especially in goods, services, and whisky exports.
- Technological: Collaboration in AI, quantum, and innovation hubs positions both nations for future competitiveness.
- Defence & Security: Joint R&D roadmap enhances strategic autonomy and interoperability.
- Education & Talent: Mobility pathways and professional schemes support human capital flow.
- Soft Power & Culture: Film and tourism partnerships enhance mutual cultural influence.
- Strategic Implication: In a multipolar, uncertain world, India-UK relations offer a stable, predictable partnership, potentially serving as a model for other bilateral ties.
