The UK is open for business and India is high on its speed-dial list

The G20 meeting between Starmer and Modi reinforced the mutual will to take ties to new heights

- LINDY CAMERON

Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Prime Minister Narendra Modi sat down together at the G20 Summit in Brazil for what both have described as an extremely productive meeting. The directive from the top of our governments is clear: both leaders have agreed to take UK-India ties to new heights.

Both the UK and Indian governments have made economic growth central to their missions. Modi has set out a transformative vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. In the UK, boosting trade abroad is a vital pillar of our efforts to deliver a stronger economy at home. Together, through a strengthened UK-India partnership, we can achieve both goals.

Starmer has said that a new trade deal with India represents a step forward in the mission to deliver growth. So, early next year, we are relaunching talks for a comprehensive free trade agreement that delivers for the British and Indian people. A deal that can support jobs, deliver for high-potential sectors and increase our supply chain resilience.

From the innovative startups at the Bengaluru Tech Summit to the good-humoured fishmongers in Mumbai who promptly offered a UPI scanner before I asked "kitna?", I am inspired by the dynamism and entrepreneurial spirit that I've experienced all across India. It was no coincidence that UK foreign secretary David Lammy was in New Delhi within three weeks of taking office.