PM Modi speaks to UK PM Burnham, discuss defence, trade and clean energy

Narendra Modi spoke to newly elected UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham and discussed trade, technology, defence and regional security. Both leaders signalled a push to deepen the India-UK partnership through CETA, emerging technologies and closer cooperation on the Middle East.Modi also highlighted the opportunities created by the recently operationalised India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement.Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday held a telephone conversation with newly elected United Kingdom Prime Minister Andy Burnham, congratulating him on assuming office and reaffirming India's commitment to strengthening the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership across key sectors, including technology, defence, clean energy and trade.In a post on X, Modi said he had conveyed his best wishes to Burnham for a successful tenure and expressed confidence that the two countries would deepen cooperation across multiple areas."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. (Credits: X/Narendra Modi) The Prime Minister said both leaders agreed to expand collaboration in technology, innovation, defence, security, clean energy, education and people-to-people ties. 'AGREED TO WORK ACROSS SECTORS'"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 said.Modi also highlighted the opportunities created by the recently operationalised India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), saying both countries would work closely to unlock its trade and investment potential for the benefit of their citizens. According to a statement issued by the UK Prime Minister's Office, Burnham began the conversation by reflecting on the strength of the bilateral partnership and its positive impact on communities across the United Kingdom.The British Prime Minister outlined his ambition to further strengthen ties through the proposed UK-India Vision 2035 framework while emphasising the importance of strong people-to-people links between the two countries.BURNHAM PRAISES INDIANS IN UKThe statement said Burnham praised the contribution of the Indian community to British society. Modi, in turn, noted the historic connection between Manchester and Ahmedabad, describing Gujarat's largest city as the "Manchester of India".Trade also featured prominently during the discussions, with Burnham underlining the significance of the recently introduced Free Trade Agreement, saying it would create fresh opportunities for businesses and people in both countries.The two leaders also discussed cooperation in emerging technologies, with Burnham expressing his personal commitment to the UK-India Technology Security Initiative. Both leaders acknowledged the scope for deeper collaboration in cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence.They also exchanged views on the evolving situation in the Middle East and agreed to work closely towards de-escalation and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.The two leaders agreed to remain in close contact and looked forward to meeting in person at the earliest opportunity.- EndsPublished By: Ritaban MisraPublished On: Jul 31, 2026 19:21 IST