London: In a major diplomatic and economic milestone, India and the United Kingdom have signed the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), along with several other key strategic accords, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to London. The agreements aim to strengthen bilateral ties across trade, defence, technology, and global security, setting a dynamic roadmap for collaboration over the next decade.
Prime Minister Modi, speaking at a joint media briefing, stated, “Along with this Agreement, we have also come to an agreement on Double Contributions Convention. This will benefit the service sectors of both countries, and especially provide a new energy to technology and finance. This will boost Ease of Doing Business. Cost of Doing Business will come down and Confidence of Doing Business will increase. UK’s economy will get India’s skilled talent. With these agreements, investment will increase in both countries and new opportunities for employment will be generated. Not just this, these agreements between two democratic nations and two large economies will strengthen global stability and prosperity.”
In a clear push to deepen defence ties, Modi also announced the creation of a Defence Industrial Roadmap and an expanded Technology Security initiative. He said both nations are committed to working together in areas ranging from Artificial Intelligence and Semiconductors to Critical Minerals and Cybersecurity. “It is our commitment that from AI to Critical Minerals, Semiconductors to Cyber Security, we shall create the future together,” he said.
The leaders also unveiled Vision 2035, a strategic roadmap to guide the India-UK relationship over the next decade. The document outlines mutual goals in sectors such as climate action, defence, education, and people-to-people exchanges.
On a lighter yet symbolic note, Modi drew a parallel between cricket and diplomacy: “When India and UK meet, and that too during a Test Series, Cricket needs to be mentioned. For both of us, Cricket is not just a game but a passion, and also a great metaphor for our partnership. There may be a swing and a miss at times but we always play with a straight bat. We are committed to building a high-scoring, solid partnership.”
The series of agreements signed today are expected to pave the way for enhanced trade flows, more streamlined business regulations, and strategic cooperation between two of the world’s largest democracies. As geopolitical alliances shift, the India-UK relationship is increasingly being seen as a pillar for promoting stability, prosperity, and democratic values on the global stage.
