From ‘Chai Pe Charcha’ to Vision 2035: Modi and Starmer Redefine India-UK Ties

Chequers/London: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Tuesday held a warm “Chai Pe Charcha” at Chequers, symbolising a fresh chapter in India-UK relations. The leaders jointly launched the ambitious “India-UK Vision 2035” roadmap and signed a long-awaited Free Trade Agreement (FTA), marking a historic boost to bilateral ties.

In a social media post, PM Modi shared, “Chai Pe Charcha with PM Keir Starmer at Chequers… brewing stronger India-UK ties!” The meeting culminated in the unveiling of Vision 2035—a comprehensive strategy to deepen cooperation across trade, defence, education, technology, and climate change. It builds upon the newly signed FTA to unlock mutual economic opportunities and strengthen strategic alignment.

‘Chai Pe Charcha’ with PM Keir Starmer at Chequers…brewing stronger India-UK ties! @Keir_Starmer pic.twitter.com/sY1OZFa6gL

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 24, 2025

Calling the FTA a blueprint for shared prosperity, Modi said the deal would benefit Indian sectors like textiles, footwear, jewellery, seafood, and MSMEs through enhanced access to UK markets. He added that Indian youth, farmers, and entrepreneurs will gain immensely. Prime Minister Starmer described the agreement as the most significant post-Brexit trade deal for the UK, expected to add £4.8 billion to the British economy annually.

Vision 2035 sets clear goals for deeper collaboration in clean energy, critical minerals, cutting-edge technologies like AI and quantum, and people-to-people exchanges through higher education and skills partnerships. It also envisages a stronger climate partnership and reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to global peace, security, and multilateral reforms.

Striking a personal note, Modi likened the India-UK ties to cricket, saying, “There may be a swing and a miss at times, but India always plays with a straight bat.” Both leaders pledged regular high-level engagements to ensure the timely delivery of the roadmap’s goals.

Modi thanked Starmer for the UK’s condemnation of the recent Pahalgam terror attack and reiterated India’s firm stand against terrorism and double standards in the name of democracy. The day marked a significant leap in Indo-British cooperation—fuelled by shared values, strategic ambition, and a vision for a prosperous future.