London: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his British counterpart Keir Starmer shared a warm “Chai Pe Charcha” at Chequers on Tuesday, marking a moment of symbolic and strategic significance in India-UK relations. Over tea, the two leaders unveiled a transformative roadmap—India-UK Vision 2035—alongside the signing of a landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA) poised to reshape bilateral ties for decades.
In a post on social media, PM Modi wrote: “Chai Pe Charcha with PM Keir Starmer at Chequers… brewing stronger India-UK ties!” The visit, steeped in symbolism and strategy, reflects a renewed momentum as both nations elevate their partnership from goodwill to groundbreaking action.
‘Chai Pe Charcha’ with PM Keir Starmer at Chequers…brewing stronger India-UK ties! @Keir_Starmer pic.twitter.com/sY1OZFa6gL
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 24, 2025
India-UK Vision 2035: A Bold Blueprint for the Future
The newly launched Vision 2035 outlines a shared strategic roadmap to deepen cooperation in trade, defence, technology, education, climate action, and cultural exchange. It builds on the FTA to unlock new opportunities and establish robust delivery mechanisms across emerging sectors like critical minerals, green finance, and advanced tech.
Key pillars include:
-
A Modern Trade & Jobs Boost: The FTA is set to reduce tariffs, open up market access, and generate thousands of jobs in both nations. Sectors like textiles, footwear, jewellery, seafood, engineering goods, and processed food will gain significantly.
-
Education & Talent Exchange: Establishment of transnational university campuses, skill partnerships, and educational innovation will prepare the next generation for global leadership.
-
Tech & Innovation: Both countries will co-develop solutions in AI, semiconductors, biotech, quantum computing, and critical materials under the Technology Security Initiative.
-
Climate Collaboration: A stronger alliance to drive clean energy transitions, scale up climate finance, and enhance resilience.
-
Security & Defence Ties: Commitments to peace in the Indo-Pacific, joint defence innovation, and upholding a rules-based international order.
Historic FTA Signed at Chequers
The signing of the long-negotiated Free Trade Agreement (FTA) marks a turning point in India-UK economic cooperation. PM Modi hailed it as a “blueprint for shared prosperity,” saying the deal opens vast avenues for India’s youth, farmers, MSMEs, and industries to thrive in UK markets.
PM Starmer called it “the most economically significant trade deal for the UK since Brexit,” adding that it will inject £4.8 billion annually into the UK economy and £2.2 billion into wages.
Cricket, Commerce & Chemistry
Striking a lighter note, PM Modi invoked cricket to describe the India-UK partnership:
“There may be a swing and a miss at times, but India always plays with a straight bat. Today, we’ve built a solid, high-scoring partnership,” he said—drawing applause.
Shared Commitment to Global Order
Both nations reiterated their commitment to multilateral reform, vowing to collaborate on restructuring institutions like the UN, WTO, WHO, and Commonwealth. They also pledged zero tolerance for terrorism, with PM Modi thanking the UK for condemning the recent Pahalgam terror attack.
Looking Ahead
The Vision 2035 promises annual reviews led by India’s External Affairs Minister and the UK Foreign Secretary, along with regular Prime Minister-level meetings to guide the implementation and fine-tune strategic goals.
As PM Modi and PM Starmer chart the course for a BRISK partnership—founded on Business, Research, Innovation, Science & Knowledge—the India-UK relationship enters a new era marked by ambition, action, and authenticity.
