Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his British counterpart, Keir Starmer, held their inaugural telephone conversation on July 10, 2024, following Starmer's assumption of office as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. The leaders discussed advancing the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and reviewed progress on the ongoing negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the two nations.

The call marked a significant early engagement between India and the new Labour government in the UK, signaling both countries' commitment to maintaining and strengthening their bilateral relationship. Prime Minister Modi extended congratulations to Prime Minister Starmer on his recent election victory and expressed confidence in the continued growth of India-UK ties under his leadership. Both leaders reaffirmed their shared vision for a robust partnership built on historical connections and mutual interests.

A central point of discussion was the India-UK Free Trade Agreement, which has seen 14 rounds of negotiations completed to date. The proposed FTA aims to significantly boost bilateral trade and investment by reducing tariffs, streamlining customs procedures, and addressing non-tariff barriers across various sectors, including goods, services, and digital trade. Both leaders expressed a desire to accelerate the finalization of the agreement, which is seen as a cornerstone for future economic collaboration and a potential driver for economic growth in both economies.

Beyond trade, the discussion encompassed the broader spectrum of the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This includes cooperation in critical areas such as defense and security, emerging technologies, climate action, health, and education. The leaders emphasized the importance of the 2030 Roadmap, a framework established in 2021 to guide future cooperation across these diverse fields, fostering deeper institutional and people-to-people links.

The strategic importance of this partnership extends to global issues, with India and the UK frequently collaborating in multilateral forums. Prime Minister Starmer expressed appreciation for India's role as a voice for the Global South, particularly highlighting its leadership during the G20 presidency. This exchange underscored the mutual recognition of each nation's influence on the international stage and their shared interest in promoting stability and prosperity.

Looking ahead, the commitment from both leaders to conclude the FTA suggests continued intensified negotiations in the coming months. Future high-level engagements between ministers and officials from both countries are anticipated to build on this initial conversation. The successful conclusion of the FTA and the sustained momentum of the strategic partnership are expected to unlock new opportunities, reinforcing the robust and dynamic relationship between India and the United Kingdom.