Indian PM Modi Calls Trade Deal With UK A Blueprint for Shared Prosperity
In a press statement following the signing of the India–UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the moment as historic -- not merely a trade expansion, but a blueprint for “shared prosperity.”
Standing alongside British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, PM Modi hailed the deal as the outcome of years of effort and dialogue, underlining that it opens the doors of opportunity across sectors--from engineering goods to agricultural exports, and from skilled migration to defence technology.
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| Image Source: PM NaMo |
Modi emphasized that the FTA will grant Indian products such as textiles, footwear, seafood, and processed food wider and easier access to the UK market, while Indian consumers and industries will benefit from more affordable British goods like medical devices and aerospace parts.
"This is not just economic cooperation--it is a strategy for inclusive growth," he said.
The deal is complemented by a new Double Contribution Convention that promises a boost to the service sectors of both nations, especially finance and technology.
“Ease, cost, and confidence of doing business will all see significant improvements,” Modi stated.
He added that the agreement ensures Indian skilled professionals have expanded access to British opportunities while also supporting UK investments in India.
The two leaders also launched the Vision 2035 roadmap--a strategic plan to deepen cooperation in five critical areas: technology, defence, climate, education, and people-to-people connections.
“From AI to semiconductors, cyber security to critical minerals, we will build the future together,” said Modi.
The talks with PM Keir Starmer were outstanding, particularly in the wake of the successful signing of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement. In addition to economic cooperation, this agreement sets the stage for boosting shared prosperity. @Keir_Starmer… pic.twitter.com/PQD1f2zu2M
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 24, 2025
On education, PM Modi highlighted that six UK universities will establish campuses in India, noting the recent opening of Southampton University’s campus in Gurugram as a significant step.
Security and counter-terrorism also featured prominently. Modi thanked Starmer for condemning the recent terror attack in Pahalgam and reiterated that nations cannot afford to allow extremist ideologies to hide behind the veil of democratic freedoms.
On economic offenders and extradition issues, he said bilateral agencies would continue to coordinate closely.
India and the UK also expressed shared positions on global issues--from the Ukraine conflict to tensions in the Indo-Pacific and West Asia--affirming their support for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and peace. Modi underlined, “In this era, the world needs development, not expansionism.”
Concluding his remarks, the Prime Minister described the 2 million-strong Indian diaspora in the UK as a “living bridge,” who have contributed not just curry, but “creativity, commitment, and character” to British public life.
With a nod to cricket diplomacy, he added, “There may be a swing and a miss at times, but we always play with a straight bat.”
The India–UK FTA and Vision 2035, Modi said, are critical milestones in this high-scoring partnership.