Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with newly elected UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham on Friday and said India and the United Kingdom will work closely to fully harness the trade and investment opportunities created by the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), which entered into force earlier this month.
During the conversation, the two leaders also discussed strengthening cooperation in technology, innovation, defence, security, clean energy, education and people-to-people ties, while seeking to take the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to new heights.
PM Modi, Andy Burnham Discuss India-UK CETA Opportunities
In a post on X, PM Modi said he was delighted to speak with Burnham and congratulated him on assuming office as the UK Prime Minister. He also conveyed his best wishes for Burnham’s tenure.
“Delighted to speak with Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Andy Burnham. Congratulated him on assuming office and conveyed my best wishes for a successful tenure,”
Modi said both sides agreed to work together across several strategic sectors and make full use of the trade and investment opportunities offered by the recently operationalised CETA.
“We agreed to work together across sectors such as technology, innovation, defence, security, clean energy, education and people-to-people ties and take the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to new heights.”
He added that both countries would cooperate closely to harness the opportunities presented by CETA for the shared prosperity and well-being of their people.
UK PM Andy Burnham Highlights India-UK Partnership
According to the UK Government’s statement on the conversation, Burnham discussed the strength of the UK-India partnership and its impact on local communities across Britain.
The UK Prime Minister outlined his ambition to further strengthen bilateral relations through the UK-India Vision 2035 framework and stronger people-to-people connections.
Burnham also praised the contribution of Indian communities in the UK. During the conversation, Modi highlighted the connection between their respective home cities of Manchester and Ahmedabad in Gujarat, referring to Ahmedabad as the “Manchester of India”, according to the UK Government statement.
CETA to Create New Trade and Investment Opportunities
Burnham underlined the potential of the India-UK CETA and said the agreement would create opportunities for people in both countries.
The UK Prime Minister also reaffirmed his commitment to the UK-India Technology Security Initiative. Both leaders recognised the scope for cooperation in advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence.
“Turning to trade, the Prime Minister underlined the value of the recently introduced Free Trade Agreement between the UK and India, which will create opportunities for people across both countries.”
The UK-India CETA entered into force on July 15, 2026, marking a new phase in bilateral trade and economic cooperation. The agreement has been described by both governments as a significant step in deepening the economic relationship between the two countries.
Modi, Burnham Discuss West Asia and Strait of Hormuz
The two leaders also exchanged views on the situation in West Asia. They agreed to continue working closely towards de-escalation and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
Both Prime Ministers expressed their desire to continue discussions and meet in person at the earliest opportunity.
Modi Earlier Congratulated Burnham on Becoming UK PM
After Burnham assumed office, PM Modi had earlier congratulated him and expressed confidence that the two countries would work together to deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and advance their shared Vision 2035.
Modi highlighted the democratic values shared by India and the UK, along with their wide-ranging cooperation in areas including trade, investment, technology, defence and people-to-people relations.
“Warmest congratulations to Mr Andy Burnham on assuming office as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. India and the UK are bound by shared democratic values and enjoy wide-ranging cooperation across trade, investment, technology, defence and people-to-people relations,”
Modi also said CETA entering into force would provide fresh momentum to bilateral relations.
“With CETA entering into force this month, our bilateral partnership is poised to grow even stronger. I look forward to working closely with you to further deepen the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and advance our shared Vision 2035,”
Andy Burnham Becomes UK Prime Minister
Andy Burnham became the UK Prime Minister on July 20, 2026, according to the official UK Government website.
Burnham succeeded Keir Starmer after Starmer tendered his resignation at Buckingham Palace, according to the supplied ANI report. Burnham, 56, subsequently arrived at 10 Downing Street with his wife Marie-France van Heel and delivered his first remarks as Prime Minister.
In his first address, Burnham stressed the need for Britain to regain stability, saying, “Britain needs to show the world that we can regain our stability once again.”
India-UK Relations Set for Deeper Economic Cooperation
With CETA now in force and both leaders expressing support for closer cooperation across trade, technology, security, clean energy and education, India-UK relations are set for a renewed focus on economic and strategic engagement.
The latest conversation also reaffirmed the two countries’ intention to advance the Vision 2035 framework while expanding opportunities for businesses and strengthening people-to-people ties.
Sources: ANI, UK Government
