Modi, UK PM Andy Burnham Pledge to Elevate India-UK Strategic Partnership to New Heights

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and newly appointed British Prime Minister Andy Burnham on Friday reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the India-United Kingdom relationship, vowing to take the bilateral Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to “new heights” through deeper cooperation across a range of sectors.

The two leaders held a telephone conversation during which they reviewed key aspects of India-UK relations and discussed ways to expand cooperation in areas including technology, innovation, defence, security, clean energy, education and cultural exchanges. The discussion marked one of the first high-level engagements between the two leaders since Burnham assumed office as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

Following the conversation, Prime Minister Modi shared details of the exchange on social media, congratulating Burnham on taking charge of the UK’s top office and extending his best wishes for a successful tenure. Modi emphasized the shared commitment of both governments to further strengthen bilateral ties and build on the momentum generated in recent years.

“We agreed to work together across sectors such as technology, innovation, defence, security, clean energy, education and people-to-people ties and take the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to new heights,” Modi said.

A major focus of the discussion was the recently operationalised India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), which is expected to significantly boost trade, investment and economic cooperation between the two countries. Modi noted that both nations would collaborate closely to unlock the full potential of the agreement and ensure that its benefits reach businesses, investors and citizens on both sides.

The Indian Prime Minister highlighted that the trade pact presents a historic opportunity to deepen economic engagement and promote shared prosperity. He said both governments are committed to creating a favorable environment for businesses and encouraging stronger commercial partnerships.

According to a British government readout, Burnham reflected on the strength of the long-standing UK-India partnership and acknowledged the positive impact that Indian communities have had across Britain. He outlined his government’s ambition to further enhance bilateral cooperation under the UK-India Vision 2035 framework, which aims to expand collaboration across strategic sectors over the coming decade.

The British Prime Minister also praised the contribution of the Indian diaspora to the social, cultural and economic fabric of the United Kingdom. The two leaders discussed the deep people-to-people connections that continue to serve as a cornerstone of the relationship.

During the conversation, Modi pointed to the historical and economic links between Manchester, Burnham’s home city, and Ahmedabad in Gujarat. Referring to Ahmedabad as the “Manchester of India,” Modi highlighted the shared industrial heritage of the two cities and the broader ties that connect the two nations.

Trade featured prominently in the discussion, with both leaders recognizing the significance of the newly implemented free trade agreement. Burnham welcomed the opportunities the pact is expected to generate for businesses, workers and consumers, while Modi stressed its potential to create jobs, attract investment and support economic growth.

The conversation underscored the growing importance of the India-UK partnership at a time when both countries are seeking stronger economic resilience, technological cooperation and strategic alignment. With a comprehensive trade agreement now in force and both governments expressing strong political commitment, India and the United Kingdom appear poised to enter a new phase of bilateral engagement focused on innovation, investment and shared prosperity.