Starmer Meets Modi: Can UK’s Backing Finally Put India Inside The UN Security Council As Permanent Member? | World News

Mumbai: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has supported India’s ambition to have a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Speaking after his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Mumbai, Trump said, “We sit together in the Commonwealth and the G20, and we want to see India take its rightful place in the UN Security Council.”

In the joint statement issued after the meeting, both leaders emphasized their common determination towards global peace, prosperity and a rules-based international order. “Agreed to work closely on promoting reformed multilateralism, including reform of the United Nations Security Council. The United Kingdom reiterated its long-standing support for India’s legitimate aspirations for permanent membership in a reformed UNSC,” the statement said.

Foreign Affairs Minister Vikram Misri confirmed the UK’s continued support at a media briefing. “We have received support from the United Kingdom when it comes to our goal of becoming a permanent member of the reconstituted and reorganized UN Security Council. The United Kingdom has been on the record many times in the past and we very much welcome and appreciate this support,” he said.

Trade and Investment Profit Center Stage

Misri said that trade and investment discussions were dominant during Starmer’s visit. “The Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signed in July is currently going through the ratification process in both countries, and both leaders expressed how excited the trade, business and investment communities in the two countries are at the prospect of the full implementation of this agreement, even as this process continues. Much of the time between business leaders of the two countries yesterday was spent making plans for future investments and future commercial cooperation between the two parties,” he said.

“This visit gave both sides the opportunity to discuss deepening their strategic economic engagement to fully benefit from tariff reductions under the FTA.” he added.

The first meeting of the reconstituted India-UK CEO Forum also took place on Thursday and reviewed the long-term trade and investment relationship and supported the implementation of the FTA.

Leaders announced joint initiatives, including increasing the Climate Technology Startup Fund to support entrepreneurs in climate technology and Artificial Intelligence.

“This will also help support the innovation-related part of the FTA, which is linked to some of the initiatives we have discussed under the Technology Security Initiative,” Misri said.

A Pillar of Partnership

“Technology and innovation pillar is a very important aspect of the bilateral relationship. During the Prime Minister’s visit, important announcements were made regarding the India-UK Connectivity and Innovation Centre, India-UK Joint Artificial Intelligence Center and the Critical Minerals Industry Association to ensure resilient supply chains and promote green technologies,” Misri said.

The second phase of the UK-India Critical Minerals Supply Chain Observatory will be launched alongside a new satellite campus at the Indian School of Mines, IIT, Dhanbad. The leaders also discussed expanding cooperation in education and further education programmes.

Defense Agreements and Strategic Security Ties

The UK on Thursday signed a £350 million defense deal with India, providing New Delhi with air defense missiles and launchers while creating more than 700 jobs in Northern Ireland.

Defense Secretary John Healey said: “The defense deals announced today show how our growing strategic partnership with India will boost UK jobs and employment.”

The contract envisages the delivery of UK-made Light Multi-Purpose Missiles (LMM) to the Indian Army, based on similar production for Ukraine. “I hope this will pave the way for a deeper relationship between our defense industries, particularly the development of electric motors for naval ships and air defence,” Healey said.

Starmer’s visit coincides with the UK’s Carrier Strike Group (CSG) participating in complex air and sea exercises with the Indian Navy in the Indian Ocean. CSG, led by HMS Prince of Wales, launched Exercise Konkan, involving INS Vikrant and ships, submarines and aircraft from both countries.

Joint Commitment on Maritime Security and Counter-Terrorism

India and the UK have also committed to strengthening maritime security in the Indo-Pacific, including the establishment of the Regional Maritime Security Center of Excellence under the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative. Training collaboration was emphasized by integrating Indian Air Force Qualified Flight Instructors into Royal Air Force programmes.

Both leaders announced the first government-to-government supply of Lightweight Multi-Purpose Missile (LMM) system to India, enhancing air defense capabilities under Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives. They condemned all forms of terrorism and underlined zero tolerance for violent extremism, counter-radicalization and terrorist financing. The Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir in April 2025 was condemned and both sides underlined action against proscribed terrorists and organisations.

Cultural Diplomacy, Ties Between Peoples

PM Modi and PM Starmer also witnessed a classic rendition of Ed Sheeran and Arijit Singh’s ‘Sapphire’, celebrating India-UK cultural collaboration at the Jio World Centre.

“Great rendition of Ed Sheeran and Arijit Singh’s Sapphire, a great example of India-UK cultural partnership!” PM Modi wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Great rendition of Ed Sheeran and Arijit Singh’s Sapphire, a great example of India-UK cultural partnership! pic.twitter.com/aLtx5WyiXT—Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 9, 2025

Prime Minister Starmer visited Yash Raj Film Studios and announced that three major productions will be shot in the UK from 2026. “Bollywood is back in Britain, bringing jobs, investment and opportunity as we promote the UK as a world-class destination for global film production,” he said.

Economic Synergy, Future Prospects

Prime Minister Modi emphasized the growing strength of India-UK ties. “India’s dynamism and the UK’s expertise combine to create a unique synergy. Our partnership is reliable, talent and technology-driven,” he said.

Drawing attention to the CETA agreement signed in London in July, he emphasized that trade costs will decrease and employment opportunities will increase.

Modi told Starmer: “With this agreement, new employment opportunities will be created for young people, trade will increase, which will benefit our industries and consumers. Your visit to India with the largest business delegation accompanying you within a few months of the signing of the agreement is a symbol of the new strength in the India-UK partnership.”