London, UK – July 24, 2025 – A pivotal moment in the bilateral relationship between India and the United Kingdom unfolded today as Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Keir Starmer officially endorsed the ambitious “India-UK Vision 2035.” This forward-looking roadmap is set to redefine the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations, infusing fresh ambition and laying the groundwork for unprecedented cooperation across a multitude of sectors over the next decade.
The India-UK Vision 2035: A Blueprint for Shared Prosperity
The India-UK Vision 2035 is more than just a document; it’s a testament to the shared commitment of both countries to unlock their full potential together. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar aptly stated that this vision “will redefine the partnership and make our ties future-ready,” guiding relations to be “stronger, deeper, and more beneficial for both our peoples.”
Key highlights and outcomes from this momentous day include:
- Historic Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA): The signing of the CETA is a landmark achievement, poised to significantly enhance bilateral trade and investment.
- This agreement is expected to boost two-way trade by billions annually.
- It offers comprehensive market access, with India gaining zero-duty access on 99% of its tariff lines, covering nearly 100% of trade value.
- UK-made products like medical devices and aerospace components will become more accessible and affordable in India, while Indian textiles, footwear, gems, jewelry, seafood, and engineering goods will see enhanced market access in the UK.
- The CETA is hailed as India’s most comprehensive and the UK’s most economically significant bilateral trade deal since leaving the EU.
- Defence Industrial Roadmap: A 10-year roadmap has been finalized to promote collaboration in co-design, co-development, and co-production of defence products, addressing the growing demand in both countries and the global market.
- This includes deeper collaboration in advanced technologies and complex weapons.
- A joint mechanism will monitor its implementation, emphasizing joint research and manufacturing.
- Technology and Innovation Advancement: Building on the Technology Security Initiative (TSI), both nations are accelerating cooperation in critical and emerging technologies.
- Focus areas include telecom (Open RAN, 5G, 6G), Artificial Intelligence (AI), critical minerals, biotechnology, health technology, semiconductors, and advanced materials.
- Plans are underway for a UK-India joint centre for AI and an India-UK Connectivity and Innovation Centre for secure telecoms.
- Transformative Climate Partnership: Both countries are committed to accelerating clean energy initiatives, mobilizing climate finance at scale, and strengthening resilience.
- Collaboration extends to offshore wind and nuclear technologies, alongside building joint supply chains in green goods.
- Engagement through platforms like the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure is anticipated.
- Education and Skills Enhancement: The India-UK Vision 2035 emphasizes nurturing the next generation of global talent.
- The UK will encourage leading universities to establish campuses in India, and vice versa.
- A joint Green Skills Partnership will promote climate-linked job creation and bridge skill gaps.
- Mutual recognition of qualifications and annual ministerial dialogues will deepen cooperation.
- Strengthening Security and Justice: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) of India and the UK National Crime Agency (NCA) to combat corruption, serious fraud, and organized crime.
- Prime Minister Modi also reiterated India’s call for cooperation on the extradition of fugitive economic offenders.
- Both leaders acknowledged the threat of extremism and radicalization, agreeing to enhance bilateral cooperation to counter these menaces.
A Partnership for a Brisk Future
The India-UK Vision 2035 is anchored in sustained high-level political engagement, with regular meetings between the Prime Ministers and annual reviews by the External Affairs Minister of India and the UK Foreign Secretary. This structured approach ensures the partnership remains dynamic, responsive, and aligned with shared strategic interests. The document encapsulates a commitment to a “BRISK partnership” – focused on Business, Research, Innovation, Science, and Knowledge.
This comprehensive roadmap, adopted alongside the CETA, signifies a mature relationship driven by shared long-term interests and a collective desire to amplify their global role in a rapidly changing world. The India-UK Vision 2035 is truly a testament to a deepening friendship and a shared pathway to a more prosperous and secure future.
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