Starmer arrives today; trade & tech on agenda

United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer will arrive in India on Wednesday for a two-day official visit at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking his first trip to the country since assuming office.

The visit, scheduled for October 8-9, is expected to inject new momentum into the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and advance discussions on the proposed Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), which both sides view as central to their future economic cooperation.

During their talks, the two leaders will review progress under the ‘Vision 2035’ roadmap, a decade-long framework that outlines collaboration in key sectors such as trade and investment, technology and innovation, defence and security, climate and energy, health, and education.

Officials said PM Modi and Starmer will also discuss global and regional issues of mutual interest, including climate action, digital transformation and supply-chain resilience. The two leaders are expected to interact with business representatives and industry leaders to explore opportunities for deepening economic ties.

A major highlight of the visit will be their joint participation in the 6th edition of the Global Fintech Fest (GFF) 2025 at the Jio World Centre in Mumbai, where both will deliver keynote addresses.

This year’s GFF — themed “Empowering Finance for a Better World” — focuses on leveraging artificial intelligence, augmented intelligence, innovation and inclusion to shape an ethical and sustainable financial future.

The three-day event is expected to draw over 1,00,000 participants from more than 75 countries, including central bankers, policymakers, investors and FinTech innovators.

More than 7,500 companies, 800 speakers, 400 exhibitors and 70 regulatory bodies will be represented.

Prominent global regulators such as the Monetary Authority of Singapore, Deutsche Bundesbank, Banque de France and the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) are among the key participants — underscoring the event’s growing status as a premier global forum for financial dialogue and policy collaboration.

Prime Minister Starmer’s visit comes as both nations seek to build a future-oriented partnership anchored in shared democratic values, innovation-driven growth and mutual prosperity.