'Don’t bother, we can use English': PM Modi eases translator’s struggle during India–UK presser; Keir Starmer joins in with warm response

In a moment that underscored both diplomacy and humility, Prime Minister Narendra Modi gently stepped in to reassure a struggling translator during a joint press conference with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The translator had difficulty converting Starmer’s English statements into Hindi, prompting a graceful intervention from Modi.

As the translator paused, visibly unsure of how to continue, PM Modi calmly said, “Don’t bother, we can use English words in between… don’t worry about it.” The translator, a bit embarrassed, apologised, to which Modi responded reassuringly, “No problem.”



UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer added with a smile, “I think we understand each other well,” drawing a few laughs and lightening the atmosphere.

Vision 2035 and key agreements announced

The two leaders met as India and the UK signed a Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), alongside several other pacts aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation.

PM Modi stated, “Along with this Agreement, we have also come to an agreement on the Double Contributions Convention. This will benefit the service sectors of both countries and especially provide a new energy to technology and finance.”

He further emphasised that the deals would “boost Ease of Doing Business, bring down the Cost of Doing Business, and increase the Confidence of Doing Business.” Modi highlighted that the UK would benefit from access to India's skilled talent pool, while both countries would see a rise in investment and job creation.

A decade of deeper ties: Vision 2035

To guide the next phase of Indo-UK relations, PM Modi announced the release of Vision 2035, a roadmap for strategic cooperation over the next decade.

“This will be a roadmap for a strong, trustworthy and ambitious partnership in the areas of technology, defence, climate, education and people-to-people connect,” Modi said.

Cricket diplomacy: A shared passion

True to tradition, PM Modi brought up the shared love for cricket between the two nations. “When India and UK meet, and that too during a Test Series, cricket needs to be mentioned. For both of us, cricket is not just a game but a passion — and also a great metaphor for our partnership.”

Using cricket as an analogy, he said, “There may be a swing and a miss at times, but we always play with a straight bat. The agreements signed today and Vision 2035 are milestones that will carry forward this spirit.”

Defence and technology: A future-focused agenda

On defence ties, PM Modi revealed that a Defence Industrial Roadmap has been drawn up between the two nations. He said, “It is our commitment that from AI to Critical Minerals, Semiconductors to Cyber Security, we shall create the future together.”

Inputs from TOI