PM Modi, UK's Andy Burnham chart ambitious roadmap to deepen trade, strategic ties

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday agreed to deepen the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with the British leader setting out his ambition to further strengthen bilateral ties through closer cooperation in trade, technology, security and people-to-people exchanges.

According to a statement issued by the UK government after the leaders' first phone conversation, Burnham "set out his ambitions to further enhance the UK-India relationship, including through the UK-India Vision 2035 framework and strong people-to-people links."

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The UK Prime Minister also noted the significance of the recently operationalised India-UK Free Trade Agreement, saying it "will create opportunities for people across both countries."


Modi, in a post on X, said he congratulated Burnham on assuming office and wished him a successful tenure, adding that both leaders agreed to expand cooperation across a wide range of sectors.

"Delighted to speak with Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Andy Burnham. Congratulated him on assuming office and conveyed my best wishes for a successful tenure," the Prime Minister wrote.

India-UK to focus on trade, investment & technology

"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.

He added, "We will also collaborate closely to fully harness the trade and investment opportunities presented by the recently operationalized India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, for the shared prosperity and well-being of both our people."

The UK government, meanwhile, said Burnham underlined the value of the recently introduced Free Trade Agreement and reaffirmed his "personal commitment to the UK-India Technology Security Initiative," with both leaders noting the potential for collaboration on cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence.

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Burnham terms Ahmedabad as 'Manchester of India'

According to the UK statement, Burnham began the conversation by reflecting on the strength of the UK-India partnership and its impact on communities across Britain.

He also praised the contribution of the Indian diaspora to UK society, while Modi noted the historical links between Manchester and Ahmedabad, describing the Gujarat city as the "Manchester of India."

The two leaders also discussed the situation in the Middle East, agreeing to continue working closely towards de-escalation and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

The UK government said Burnham and Modi looked forward to speaking again soon and meeting in person at the earliest opportunity