Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday met British Prime Minister Keir Starmer for the first time since the latter got elected. The two leaders met on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

A statement from Starmer’s office at 10 Downing Street said that the “UK Prime Minister has announced that UK-India trade talks will relaunch in the new year, following a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the G20 summit”.

PM Modi also announced the establishment of two new Consulates General of India in the UK in Belfast and Manchester. On the bilateral meeting, Modi’s office said, “Both leaders underlined the importance of resuming the Free Trade Agreement negotiations at an early date and expressed confidence in the ability of the negotiating teams, to address the remaining issues to mutual satisfaction, leading to a balanced, mutually beneficial and forward looking Free Trade Agreement.”

PM Modi, at the meeting, congratulated Starmer on his assumption of office and the latter extended warm wishes to the Indian Prime Minister on his historic third term in office, a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said.

“Expressing satisfaction at the progress in the bilateral relationship, the two Prime Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with a focus on economy, trade, new and emerging technologies, research and innovation, green finance and people-to-people contacts. They exchanged views on issues of mutual interest, including on international and regional issues of significance,” the Indian PMO added.

Festive offer

Recognising ample opportunities for further engagement between the two sides in the light of growing bilateral economic and business relations, and with a view to better serve the consular requirements of the Indian community in the United Kingdom, the Indian PMO said that Modi announced the establishment of two new Consulates General of India in the United Kingdom in Belfast and Manchester. Starmer welcomed the announcement.

“Prime Minister noted the importance of addressing the issue of economic offenders from India in the UK. The two leaders also agreed on the need to make progress on issues related to migration and mobility,” it said.

“The two leaders directed their Ministers and senior officials to work towards faster implementation of the various understandings that form part of the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. They also looked forward to more frequent dialogue and discussions,” it said.

Downing Street said that “boosting trade abroad is essential to delivering a strong economy at home. The UK is committed to negotiating a trade deal with India – one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. The UK will seek a new strategic partnership with India, including a trade agreement, as well as deepening cooperation in areas like security, education, technology, and climate change.”