Transcript of Special briefing by MEA on Prime Minister’s visit to UK (July 24, 2025)

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. I welcome you to this special press briefing on Prime Minister's official visit to the United Kingdom. To give you a round-up of the developments so far, we have with us Foreign Secretary Shri Vikram Misri. We are also joined by Special Secretary in the Ministry of Commerce, Shri Satya Srinivas, as also by our High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Shri Vikram Doraiswami. We also have with us Additional Secretary, Europe-West, in the Ministry of External Affairs, Shri Piyush Srivastava. With that, I invite Foreign Secretary to give opening remarks on the visit. Sir, the floor is yours now.

Shri Vikram Misri, Foreign Secretary: Thank you, Randhir. Good afternoon, all of you.

Thank you for joining us today for this briefing on Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's official visit to the United Kingdom at the invitation of Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Sir Keir Starmer. Prime Minister is accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising the External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, the Commerce and Industries Minister, Shri Piyush Goyal, and National Security Advisor, Shri Ajit Doval, as well as an official and business delegation.

Prime Minister landed in the UK yesterday and received a traditionally warm and festive welcome by representatives of the Indian community in the UK. Earlier this morning, Prime Minister was hosted by Prime Minister Starmer at the Chequers Estate, the official country residence of the Prime Minister of the UK. The two leaders spent nearly three hours together this morning, during which they held restricted and delegation-level talks, including over lunch. The two leaders had the opportunity to review the entire gamut of issues in the bilateral relationship and also to discuss regional and global issues of mutual interest.

The Prime Minister is scheduled to call on His Majesty King Charles III at Sandringham Estate in a short while from now. At Chequers, as you would all be aware, the highlight and the headline really from this visit was the signing that Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Starmer oversaw of the historic India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement between the Commerce and Industries Minister, Shri Piyush Goyal, and the UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Mr. Jonathan Reynolds. This landmark agreement will significantly increase trade and investment and economic cooperation between the two countries by lowering tariffs in key sectors, including labour-intensive sectors in India like textiles, leather, footwear, agricultural products, marine products, sports products, toys, gems and jewellery, and others. Apart from trade and investment, it would also strengthen innovation and technology collaboration.

The two sides have also agreed to negotiate a Double Contribution Convention which will enter into force along with the free trade agreement and will facilitate professionals and service providers on both sides and reduce the cost of doing business in both countries. Documents related to the agreement are available online and you may wish to refer to them for further details about the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement.

In addition, the two leaders also engaged informally with leading CEOs of business enterprises of the two countries. These CEOs represented key and relevant sectors of the respective economies. They were from the fields of health and pharmaceuticals, gems and jewellery, automobiles, energy, manufacturing, telecom, technology, IT, ITES, logistics, textiles, and financial services. All the business leaders expressed great satisfaction at the conclusion of the free trade agreement which they were confident would unlock several opportunities for businesses in both countries and lead to greater economic collaboration between them.

In addition to the free trade agreement which, as I said, is the headline from this visit, there were other deliverables as well during this visit, and I would just like to highlight four of those today. In order to infuse higher ambition and renewed momentum into the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the UK and India, both leaders today adopted the India-UK Vision 2035 document which will steer the relationship for the next 10 years with a focused and time-bound programme of action and initiatives in key pillars of bilateral action between the two countries such as economy and growth, technology and innovation, defence and security, climate action and clean energy, education, and people-to-people ties. The India-UK Vision 2035 will also be available online and I encourage you to refer to the document for details.

Second, both leaders welcomed today the adoption of the Defence Industrial Roadmap which will open up enormous opportunities for joint collaboration for defence industries of both sides. Third, just this morning, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Central Bureau of Investigation of India and the UK National Crime Agency. And fourthly and finally, both leaders also expressed great happiness at the increasing collaboration in new and emerging technologies between the two countries, particularly telecom, AI and critical minerals. This is being steered under the Bilateral Technology Security Initiative, the TSI, which incidentally is having its first birthday today. It has completed one year and a statement on the progress of the implementation of the TSI has also been issued by both sides today.

The two leaders also discussed the deepening of partnership between India and the UK in the education sector, perhaps one of the most exciting sectors for cooperation in the coming years and they welcomed the opening in India recently, just last week as a matter of fact, of the campus of the Southampton University in Gurugram. It's the first such foreign university campus to be opened in India under the New Education Policy of India and at least five more UK universities are in the process of opening similar campuses in India. Two leaders also acknowledged the valuable contribution of the dynamic Indian diaspora in the United Kingdom, which is a living bridge that connects both our countries.

The leaders also had the opportunity to discuss at some length the menace of terrorism. Prime Minister Modi thanked Prime Minister Starmer for the strong support and solidarity extended by the United Kingdom to the people of India in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack. Both leaders expressed a commitment to strengthen the global fight against terrorism. It was noted that extremism and radicalization pose a threat to both societies, and that there was need to further enhance bilateral collaboration and cooperation to deal with these scourges of terrorism, extremism, and radicalization. Prime Minister Modi also sought the UK's cooperation to bring to justice economic offenders and fugitives from Indian law.

Finally, I should say, Prime Minister Modi invited Prime Minister Starmer to pay his maiden visit to India as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom at his earliest convenience. Prime Minister Starmer has accepted the invitation and we will now work out the details bilaterally.

I mentioned earlier Prime Minister's last engagement in a short while from now at Sandringham Estate. At Sandringham Estate, during this engagement, he will hand over to His Majesty the King, sapling as part of the tree plantation program that the Prime Minister has pioneered back home in India, Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam, Plant for Mother. This will be planted in Sandringham Estate during the planting season this autumn. You would have heard also the Prime Minister speak during the engagement with the media earlier this morning and in their private conversation as well. The Prime Minister conveyed the condolences to the families of the victims of the Air India air crash recently. Many of them were UK nationals and the Prime Minister expressed his condolences at the losses that had been suffered. Let me stop there. If there are any questions, I would be happy to answer those.

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: The floor is open now. As you ask your question, please do identify yourself and your organization.

Sriram Lakshman, The Hindu: Thank you, Sriram Lakshman from The Hindu. I wanted to ask you about the Pahalgam terror attacks. There was a parliamentary delegation here last month hoping to convey India's position and response to those. And I wanted to ask out of today's meeting, has there been any indication there'll be a change in the UK government's response to such situations if they were to recur? Question one.

And if I may, a quick question, was the United States discussed and the Trump administration, because India and the UK have both been discussing trade with the Trump administration, and there's kind of a retrenchment of the United States under the Trump administration from multilateralism. Does that kind of bring interests of the UK and India closer together? Was that discussed at all?

Vishal Pandey, ABP News:Sir, main Vishal Pandey hoon ABP News se, mera sawal yeh hai ki, FTA hone ke baad, sir is taraf, FTA hone ke baad, Bharat ki economy kitna boost up karegi aur jo alag, alag sectors hai, khaas taur par krishi kshetra mein, kin cheezo ka dhyan Bharat ne rakha hai, taaki jo humare kisaano ki tawaam cheeze rahi ho, usse khayal mein rakha gaya FTA karte hue.

[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi]:Sir, I am Vishal Pandey from ABP News, my question is that, after the FTA, how much will the Indian economy boost up and the different sectors, especially in the agricultural areas? What things has India kept in mind so that the stability of our farmers is maintained. Has this been kept in mind while doing the FTA.

Gautam, DD India: Gautam from DD India. Just wanted to ask in terms of; congratulations first of all, getting the FTA across the line, especially Mr. Srinivas and to you itself. Just wanted to ask in terms of what other spinoff benefits do you expect, you know, out of this FTA once it comes into effect where investments are concerned, people to people ties are concerned, overall business between the two countries is concerned?

Rupanjana, Bartmaan News: Rupanjanaa from Bartmaan (inaudible). How will India ensure the Free Trade Agreement is delivering on its intended goals over the time? Will there be a joint review committee or any committees of such?

Naomi Canton, Times of India:Hello, Naomi Canton, Times of India. I'd like to know a bit more about the services sector in the free trade agreement. Which sectors the UK has now got access to, and which sectors it hasn't? I understand possibly legal services is not part of it. And will you look at liberalizing any future services sectors in the future after this FTA? And also, could you speak a bit about the agreement on tackling organized crime and illegal migration and this agreement between the NCA and the CBI?

Foreign Secretary Shri Vikram Misri: Well, I think 80% of the questions are on the FTA. So, I will request Sathya to answer those. Let me just respond to the first question and then get out of Sathya 's way. On Pahalgam we saw very firm response from the United Kingdom, a condemnation of terrorism. This remains an important subject of discussions between the two sides at all levels. As I mentioned, it was discussed between the Prime Ministers today as well. And I think there is a fair degree of identity of use on the importance of collaboration against what is a global scourge. And there is already close cooperation between India and the UK at multiple levels, the official levels, and between the concerned law enforcement authorities on the two sides as well. We expect that this will continue in coming times.

With regard to discussions related to the United States, look, we are in the UK, we are discussing a Free Trade Agreement between India and the United Kingdom. So, you will understand if I say that the focus was on that fair and square. Naturally the overall environment globally of world trade was referred to. But on that front, what I would emphasize is that this underlines even more the significance of the India-UK FTA for an agreement as significant as this to be achieved at this point in time, is the really important message to take away from today's event. So that's what I would say on that issue.

On this last point the MOU that's been signed between the CBI and the National Crime Agency of the UK, it is intended to combat instances of corruption of serious fraud and organized crime. There has been some cooperation on that and we are able to now institutionalize this cooperation. Let me turn to Satya to address the questions related to the Free Trade Agreement.

Satya Srinivas, Special Secretary (Commerce): Yeah. Free trade agreement. I mean, the India-UK CETA, first and foremost, it provides a facilitative and a predictable framework, and that's what businesses are looking for. They need certainty, a certainty of tariff regime, a certainty of regulations. I think that's what this legally binding agreement is providing.

In terms of sectoral interests, I think it covers a large amount of trading goods, both agri and non-agri sector. And for all of your information, the agreement is up on the website. So, you could have look at the schedules, which are, which are there, and each of the sector analysis. I think quite a few impact analysis is also being given.

In terms of spinoff effects. Obviously, when businesses are looking for certainty, I think the trade is going to definitely go up. We are looking in terms of doubling of the trade by 2030. And then also it'll open investments because in sectors of the future, and when this certain regime is there, I think investments are going to really go up.

There are mechanisms built in terms of joint committees in various chapters. So, the policy areas. Well in terms of, I think we would come with this as it moves right now different sectors of interest, because industry also has expressed interest and to convert into numbers, I think it'll take little time because they're also looking in terms of what reductions are there eliminations immediately or phase reductions. So, for their calculations as well, I think they need to look at where the details are available today.

So, as I mentioned, the joint committees do exist in across the policy areas where they would meet. And then whatever issues in terms of barriers which they see for trade, they would be addressed.

Services, I think is an important area. I mean, this is in terms of both economies are largely services dependent. Therefore, here we have deep commitments coming in areas of interest on both sides, whether it is financial services or insurance services, Telecom, or transport, travel. IT-ITeS I think from our side, IT-ITeS is one of the large … So it covers all modes of engagement and aspects of mobility professional services, other business services. So deep commitments have been made. I think this is the brief from my side.

Aditi, Press Trust of India: Thank you, Sir. Aditi from Press Trust of India. So, if you could perhaps elaborate a little bit on the discussion on counter-terrorism. Pro-Khalistani extremism was an issue that had been recognized. Is that something that's still on the agenda to … is there a recognition of that as an issue as well? And a second question, if I may for you, sir. About the DCC which I think was mentioned, will come into force along with the FTA, we were given to understand that at the moment only a legal understanding has been made and the negotiations continue. So, if you could just give us a little bit of an elaboration on that. Thank you.

Loveena Tandon, India Today: Hello, my name is Loveena Tandon from India today. And Aaj Tak. In the light of launching the ball between the swing and the miss and the straight bat metaphor … May I just ask, what was the response of Sir Kier Starmer, the Prime Minister on the swift action on Khalistani issue or any such matters of law and order that caused disturbance in both the countries. Economic offenders, what was the response? And also did the response of India to, in Pahalgam discussed, and what was the response to, does the Prime Minister or the country stand on our side, or endorses, if I can say, they don't have the right to endorse, but do they stand on our side in any way? Thank you.

Aryendra, DD News: Sir, namaskar mera naam Aryendra hai, main Doordarshan News se hoon. Vision 2035 document mein kya naya hai, thoda sa agar usme vistaar agar aap de sake aur defense industrial roadmap mein kya vistaar rahega, kaise usko zameen par utaara jayega, is par toh aap thoda sa jaankari de sakenge.

[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi]: Sir, greetings. My name is Aryendra and I'm from Doordarshan News. Regarding the Vision 2035 document, could you please share what is new in it with some detail? Also, in the Defense Industrial Roadmap, what kind of expansion is planned and how will it be implemented on the ground? Could you provide some insight on that as well?

Muvija, Reuters News:Hello, Muvija from Reuters. I just had one question on the US-India trade negotiations. I just wondered if at all an interim deal could be reached by August 1. I know it was a deadline that was set by the Washington administration. I just wanted to check that.

And also one on the UK-India trade deal. So, I appreciate that the carbon border adjustment mechanism was not part of the deal, but is it something that the Indian government is still pursuing? Because just after the Trade deal is signed and as part of further progress.

Foreign Secretary Shri Vikram Misri: Okay. Let me go back first to, I think in the earlier set of questions, there was a question on state of cooperation on organized crime and illegal migration that had been referred to.

There is between India and the UK an agreement on mobility and migration, which includes cooperation in facilitating the return of undocumented and illegal migrants. Indians and UK nationals can travel to each other's country for up to two years. And there is also cooperation in simplifying normal travel visas. We have on every occasion that we've had for discussion with our UK counterparts emphasized that the government of India is clearly against illegal migration and we have worked in the past and continue to work with our partners on this issue including for the purpose of repatriating such illegal immigrants.

At the same time, we both recognize that the exchange of human resources and access to talent and skilled human resources is an advantage for both economies and encouraging and promoting that is in the interest of both countries. And some of the agreements and understandings that you see in the process of being reached are aimed precisely at that.

On these questions related to the discussions today on extremists, and on counterterrorism as well as economic offenders, let me say with regard to the activities of extremists, we shared our thoughts and views. We've noted the fact that they are increasingly active, have in the past, and continue to threaten the safety and security of our diplomatic missions and personnel inciting violence against our leaders and against our diplomats. This issue was discussed and we have engaged at several levels on these matters with our UK counterparts. And I would say that we have received cooperation as well on these matters and including during this specific visit we have received cooperation from our UK partners on addressing these issues. I'm sure that this will continue in the future.

On terrorism and on economic offenders, I've already mentioned that we've continued to bring our concerns to the attention of UK authorities as far as economic offenders are concerned. We understand wherever there are legal processes to be entered or to be carried through, we expect that those legal processes will be taken to their conclusion in an expedited manner so that justice can be served.

Defense Industrial Roadmap … jo aapka prashan tha,ek sahmati dono desho ke beech bani hai. Jo raksha samagari hai uske utpadhan me, kaise dono desh ek dusre ki sahayata kr skte hai. Raksha samagri aur utkrisht taknik se bani raksha ki samagri hai usme kaise dono desh ek dusre ek dusre ki sahytha kr skte hai aur usme private aur public sector ke jo entities hai dono desho ki wo jud skte hai. Naye defense technology aur products ke uthpadan ke liye, unke design ke liye, unki marketing ke liye, unke distribution ke liye. Ek durse ke liye hi nhi par pure vishwa bhar mein kaise uspe kaam kiya jaa skta hai. Aur iss roadmap se dono desho ke beech jo abhi tak kaam chal raha hai usko aur badhawa milega aur ek tareeke se institutional links hai dono desho ke beech wo aage badaenge jaaenge.

[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi]: On the Defence Industrial Roadmap … the Defence Industrial Roadmap is an agreement between the two countries on how to help each other in the production of defence equipment and how to help each other in the production of defence equipment made with advanced technology... How can the two countries help each other in this, and how can the entities of the private and public sectors connect with each other. For the production of new defence technologies and products, for their design, marketing, and distribution. Not just for each other, but how it can be worked on all over the world. And with this roadmap, the work that is still going on between the two countries will be further increased and the institutional links between the two countries will be further increased.

On Vision 2035 as well, Vision 2035 is really built around four or five major pillars and then there are a lot of activities that have been planned under that in the areas of economy and trade, technology and innovation, defence and security, climate and energy, education and people-to-people contact.

Several of these subjects were discussed extensively between the two Prime Ministers today during their restricted talks as well as during lunch as well. For instance, there was a discussion on possible cooperation in the field of space, on start-ups in the emerging technologies area, discussion on AI and telecom, how that could be taken forward. There was a discussion on the priorities that both sides had on technology and innovation and what both countries were doing in their respective areas on this.

So, on climate and clean energy as well, the kinds of things that were underway, Prime Minister spoke about the fact that some of our renewable energy goals that were set for 2030 had been achieved five or six years ahead of schedule. Both leaders spoke about the green energy projects that are underway in their respective countries. So, this was in a sense a curtain raiser for the kinds of things that will be progressed under the Vision 2035 document.

On the US-India trade deal, I have mentioned earlier. We are discussing that under a different vertical. All I can say is that our engagement is underway. The contacts are underway, and we will see how that goes.

Satya Srinivas, Special Secretary (Commerce): With regard to DCC, Double Contribution Convention we have arrived understanding that is the convention would come into in effect from along with FTA coming into force. So, both would be together implemented to exemption period … on which this contribution … been exempted for the period of 3 years. And we also agreed upon electronic exchange of certification for enabling this. So, all the key elements cleared …. clear understanding has emerged on it, and rest of the part … in terms …. the coming year would have the text ready. And by the time CETA is ratified this would be in place. In terms CBAM position … is still not in place in UK but will come in the future. But if we see it does have an adverse affect. I mean there are enough measures which would be taken …. and as in when it comes into play and see an adverse effect, we would have appropriate measures to address those concerns.

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Thank you sir, and with that ladies and gentleman we come to the close of this press briefing. Thank you very much for your presence.

London
July 24, 2025