Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his congratulations to Keir Starmer on his election as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, marking a historic victory for the Labour Party. The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and the UK. Both sides agreed to work towards the early conclusion of a mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Modi also invited Starmer to visit India.
According to an official statement from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), PM Modi spoke with his British counterpart Starmer, congratulating him for his remarkable electoral success. "Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi spoke with Rt. Hon. Keir Starmer, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom today. Prime Minister congratulated him on assuming charge as Prime Minister of UK and a remarkable victory of the Labour Party in the election," the statement read.
The conversation between the two leaders also focused on advancing bilateral ties. "Both leaders recalled the historic relations between the two countries and reaffirmed their commitment to further deepen and advance the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and the UK," the PMO statement noted.
Highlighting the contributions of the Indian community in the UK, the leaders emphasised the importance of promoting close people-to-people ties. PM Modi extended an invitation to PM Starmer for an early visit to India. "Prime Minister Modi extended an invitation to PM Starmer for an early visit to India. Both leaders agreed to remain in touch," the statement concluded.
UK Prime Minister's Office, 10 Downing Street in a statement informed that the leaders exchanged congratulations on their respective election wins and reflected on the strength of the relationship between the UK and India.
UK PM Keir Starmer "said he looked forward to further deepening the strong and respectful relationship between both countries, and welcomed Prime Minister Modi's leadership on key global challenges, such as climate change and economic growth," the release stated
"Discussing the importance of the living bridge between the UK and India, and the 2030 roadmap, the leaders agreed there was a wide range of areas across defence and security, critical and emerging technology, and climate change, for the two countries to deepen cooperation on," it further added.
On the Free Trade Agreement, UK PM Keir Starmer said he stood ready to conclude a deal that worked for both sides, as per 10 Downing Street.
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Keir Starmer Becomes UK PM After Labour Party's Massive Win
Keir Starmer, in his inaugural speech as the UK's new Prime Minister, pledged to address the weariness in the nation and rebuild the country following Labour's landslide victory in the general election. "Our work is urgent and we begin it today," Starmer declared. Acknowledging the efforts of his predecessor, Rishi Sunak, he commended Sunak for becoming the country's first Asian prime minister.
Starmer, 61, ascended to the role of Prime Minister after Labour secured a remarkable gain of over 200 seats in a landmark election on Thursday. He received the formal blessing of King Charles III in a traditional ceremony known as the "kissing of hands". Rishi Sunak, 44, resigned from his position after meeting the monarch.
In his address, Starmer emphasised the public's decisive vote for change and a return to public service politics. "When the gap between the sacrifices made by people and the service they receive from politicians grows this big, it leads to a weariness in the heart of a nation," he stated. "This wound can only be healed by action, not words."
Starmer underscored his commitment to immediate action, noting, "Public service is a privilege, and this government should treat every single person in this country with respect."