‘Will take partnership to new heights’: PM Modi speaks to UK counterpart, Pg 9

Key Highlights:

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi held his first telephone conversation with newly elected UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham and congratulated him on assuming office.
• Both leaders agreed to strengthen the India–UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership across technology, innovation, defence, security, clean energy, education and people-to-people ties.
• They discussed expanding trade and investment opportunities under the recently operationalised India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).
• The leaders exchanged views on the West Asia situation and supported de-escalation and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
• The UK reaffirmed its commitment to the UK–India Vision 2035 framework and highlighted the importance of stronger community and cultural links.
• Both Prime Ministers agreed to continue discussions and meet in person at the earliest opportunity.

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Detailed Insights:

• The India–UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership was launched in 2021 to deepen cooperation in trade, defence, climate, health, education and emerging technologies.
• India–UK Vision 2035 provides the long-term roadmap for bilateral cooperation in economic growth, security, innovation, climate action and global governance.
• The India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) entered into force on 15 July 2026, marking a major milestone in bilateral economic relations.
• The agreement provides near-zero duty access for most Indian exports to the UK while improving market access for services, investment and digital trade.
• India and the UK view cooperation in critical technologies, clean energy and resilient supply chains as key pillars of their evolving strategic partnership.
• The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's busiest oil transit chokepoints, making its stability crucial for global energy security and India's energy imports.
• The UK hosts a large Indian diaspora, which plays a significant role in strengthening economic, educational and cultural relations between the two countries.

Key Concepts Involved:

• India–UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership: A framework for expanding bilateral cooperation across strategic, economic and people-centric sectors.
• India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA): A bilateral free trade agreement aimed at reducing trade barriers and boosting investment and services.
• UK–India Vision 2035: A long-term roadmap guiding cooperation in trade, security, climate, technology and education.
• Strait of Hormuz: A strategic maritime passage connecting the Persian Gulf to global markets through which a significant share of the world's oil trade passes.