MODI, STARMER SEAL NEW ERA

UK charts deeper trade, education, defence ties as PMs push for rapid FTA rollout

- Dhairya Gajara and Ashwin Ahmad

PM Modi on Thursday urged visiting UK PM Keir Starmer to act firmly, “within the ambit of law”, against Khalistani extremist elements operating from British soil, even as both leaders showcased an expansive new phase in India-UK cooperation spanning defence, education, technology and trade. Starmer, on a two-day visit to Mumbai with a 126-member business and education delegation, signalled London's support for India's permanent seat on the UN Security Council and pitched the UK as a long-term partner in New Delhi's 'Vikasit Bharat' vision.

Briefing reporters after the talks at Raj Bhavan, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said India reiterated its “serious concerns” over pro-Khalistan activity abroad. “The Prime Minister emphasised that radicalism and violent extremism have no place in democratic societies and should not be allowed to misuse the freedoms these societies provide,” he said. Both sides agreed to act “strictly within legal frameworks”. Misri noted that Modi had raised the matter with Starmer earlier in July, underlining India's expectation of visible results.

Alongside this, the leaders reviewed the implementation of the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), signed in July.