Prime Minister Narendra Modi and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer issued a unified appeal on Thursday (October 9, 2025) for a two-state resolution to the protracted Israel-Palestine dispute, while endorsing U.S. President Donald Trump’s Gaza reconciliation strategy.
In a separate evening conversation, Mr. Modi connected with Mr. Trump by phone, offering congratulations on the Gaza effort. “Spoke to my friend, President Trump and congratulated him on the success of the historic Gaza peace plan. Also reviewed the good progress achieved in trade negotiations. Agreed to stay in close touch over the coming weeks,” he shared on X.
Hosting Mr. Starmer during his India visit, Mr. Modi described the India-U.K. alliance as a crucial anchor for worldwide steadiness amid escalating global uncertainties. The leaders further urged a fair and enduring resolution to the conflict in Ukraine.
“India and the U.K. are natural partners. In the current era of global instability, this partnership remains a vital pillar of global stability and economic progress,” Mr. Modi stated, emphasizing efforts to merge Britain’s manufacturing prowess and research capabilities with India’s skilled workforce and expansive market.
The duo underscored the role of negotiation and diplomatic channels in addressing the crises in Gaza and Ukraine, pledging to intensify joint maritime security efforts in the Indo-Pacific. Discussions on resolving longstanding tensions in West Asia and Ukraine culminated in a joint declaration following high-level meetings in Mumbai. It affirmed backing for “an immediate and lasting ceasefire, the release of the hostages and the delivery of humanitarian aid, and their shared commitment to a lasting and just peace as a step towards a Two-State solution, with a safe and secure Israel, alongside a viable Palestinian state.”
Mr. Starmer and Mr. Modi spotlighted collaborative opportunities under the Commonwealth banner, committing to joint action on climate action, sustainable growth, and youth involvement for its 2.5 billion citizens. The declaration reaffirmed dedication to “global peace, prosperity and rules-based international order” and endorsed ongoing exchanges under the Migration and Mobility Partnership.
During post-talks comments, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri reaffirmed India’s focus on refining migration processes, noting, “We don’t support illegal immigration.” Mr. Starmer voiced Britain’s outrage over the April 22 Pahalgam incident, while Mr. Modi denounced the recent assault near a Manchester synagogue during Yom Kippur that claimed two lives.
The communiqué also addressed economic advancements, defense collaborations, and tech alliances, lauding the freshly inked India-U.K. Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) alongside programs aiding startups and business pioneers.
Mr. Modi labeled CETA “historic,” explaining it would lower import expenses, generate jobs for the young, expand commerce, and aid sectors and shoppers alike. “Mr. Starmer’s visit symbolises the new energy and broad vision in the India-U.K. partnership,” he added. Mr. Starmer hailed it as a “breakthrough” milestone.
Marking Mr. Starmer’s inaugural trip to India since assuming the U.K. premiership, the two-day agenda—accompanied by more than 100 business leaders, arts figures, and university heads—covered worldwide and local matters plus CETA details.
The nations formalized Terms of Reference to overhaul the Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO). Union Minister Piyush Goyal posted on X: “This institutional reset is a game-changer, strengthening our framework for strategic engagement, driving the implementation of the India-U.K. CETA, and boosting our joint ambition to significantly enhance our bilateral trade.”
India rolled out multiple U.K.-linked ventures, including the India-U.K. Technology Security Initiative. “Under this initiative, we have created a platform for joint research and innovation in critical technologies and use it as a bridge between the young generations of both countries,” Mr. Modi explained.
Additional efforts encompass the Connectivity and Innovation Centre, Joint AI Research Centre, Industry Guild, and Supply Chain Observatory for vital minerals; a satellite outpost at ISM Dhanbad; the India-U.K. Offshore Wind Taskforce; and the Climate Technology Startup Fund to back innovators in climate, tech, and AI from both lands.
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