British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced in Mumbai that nine UK universities will soon open campuses in India. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the move, saying that bilateral relations have advanced under Starmer’s leadership.
During Modi’s visit to London in July this year, India and the UK signed the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). Modi said the agreement would ease imports, boost trade, and create employment opportunities for youth in both countries.
The two leaders also discussed key global and regional issues, including the Indo-Pacific, West Asia, and the conflict in Ukraine. In a significant development in defense cooperation, India and the UK signed a military training agreement, under which Indian Air Force flying instructors will now serve as trainers with the British Royal Air Force.
Speaking on the importance of educational ties, India PM Narendra Modi said:
“It is a matter of great joy that nine UK universities are going to open campuses in India. The Gurugram campus of the University of Southampton was recently inaugurated, and the first group of students has already enrolled.”
Prime Minister Starmer highlighted the demand for quality education in India:
“There is a huge demand for good quality higher education. Therefore, I’m delighted to announce that more British universities will establish campuses in India, bringing world-class education closer to Indian students.”
He added that this visit includes the largest and most influential education delegation from the UK to India to date.
Bollywood-UK Film Agreement Signed
Reflecting on his visit to Mumbai’s Yash Raj Studios, PM Starmer announced a new agreement to facilitate Bollywood film production in the UK.
“Yesterday was a wonderful visit to Yash Raj Studios. We are announcing an agreement to make Bollywood films in the UK. India’s youth will be instrumental in achieving the vision for 2047.”
UK-India to Deepen Tech and Defense Ties
At a press briefing earlier in the day, Starmer said:
“We will join forces in AI, communications, and defense technology. The UK and India are global leaders in innovation, and we’ve strengthened our partnership through the Technology and Security Initiative.”
The initiative includes new commitments in artificial intelligence (AI), advanced communications, defense technologies, and other high-tech sectors.
“We Want to Be Partners in India’s Growth” – Starmer
Speaking from Mumbai, Starmer praised India’s economic trajectory and leadership:
“It’s significant that we’re meeting in Mumbai, India’s economic and financial capital. India’s growth story is remarkable, and I want to congratulate Prime Minister Modi on his vision and leadership.”
He added:
“India aims to become the world’s third-largest economy by 2028 and a fully developed nation by 2047. Everything I’ve seen on this visit reinforces that this vision is within reach.”
Emphasizing the UK’s commitment, Starmer noted:
“We want to be partners in this journey. That’s why I’ve brought a record 126 British businesses to India this week. As we depart tonight, I’m hopeful we’ll secure major investments that will generate thousands of skilled jobs in future industries across both nations.”