India, UK To Chart New Tech Alliance As PM Modi Set To Host Keir Starmer in Mumbai: Report

United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Mumbai next week, aiming to advance bilateral cooperation in technology and security, Politico reported.

This will be Starmer’s maiden visit to India as UK Prime Minister, taking place shortly after the two nations concluded a long-pending free trade agreement amid global tariff tensions driven by the Trump administration.

The visit will focus on fintech cooperation, technology-related partnerships, and the recently finalised trade pact, according to an Indian government official cited in the report.

The two leaders will address the world’s largest fintech festival in Mumbai, followed by high-level meetings with ministers and officials to expand the 2024 India-UK Technology Security Initiative (TSI).

The TSI framework includes collaboration in telecommunications, critical minerals, artificial intelligence, quantum, biotechnology, advanced materials, and semiconductor.

Both nations are reportedly exploring ways to integrate private investment and seed funding into the initiative, seeking tangible “early harvest” results from the partnership.

According to officials, Modi and Starmer will review the seven core pillars of the TSI to identify areas where progress can be achieved most rapidly.

During Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the UK in July, the British government announced plans for a joint artificial intelligence center under the TSI.

Both countries are also collaborating on graphene and critical minerals with the second phase of the UK-India Critical Minerals Supply Chain Observatory set to begin soon.

Starmer is expected to be accompanied by several business delegations, with key groups concentrating on education and critical mineral sectors.

The TSI is jointly monitored by the national security advisers of both countries and undergoes biannual reviews.

A deputy national security adviser from Starmer’s team recently visited India to reportedly assess progress on several emerging outcomes.

Collaboration on critical minerals has advanced significantly and could result in notable announcements during the Mumbai visit.

The visit will also include a joint economic trade council meeting, where ministers and industry leaders from both sides will explore ways to leverage the trade agreement finalised in July.

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