'Committed to deepening ties': PM Modi speaks to new UK PM Keir Starmer

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday spoke to newly elected UK counterpart Keir Starmer, who assumed the post on Friday after the Labour Party swept the general election, bagging 412 out of 650 parliamentary seats.
PM Modi congratulated Starmer for the "remarkable victory" of the Labour Party.
Both the leaders discussed and agreed to work towards the ambitious India-UK Free Trade Agreement, which has been due even after rounds of diplomatic parleys.
"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 two leaders agreed to work towards early conclusion of a mutually beneficial India-UK Free Trade Agreement," the Prime Minister's office said in a statement.
The leaders also talked about he positive contributions of the Indian community in the social, economic and political development of the UK.
"Appreciating the positive contributions of the Indian community in the social, economic and political development of the UK, the two sides agreed to continue to promote closed people-to-people ties," the PMO said.
"Pleased to speak with Keir Starmer. Congratulated him on being elected as the Prime Minister of the UK. We remain committed to deepening Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and robust India-UK economic ties for the progress and prosperity of our peoples and global good," PM Modi wrote in a post on X.

PM Modi also invited UK PM Starmer for an early visit to India.
Starmer has in the past sought to mend the strained relationship between Labour and India. He had recognised the need to build a stronger strategic partnership with India if Labour formed the next government, which will soon be a reality.
Starmer has also acknowledged past missteps by the Labour Party in handling relations with India, particularly over the party's perceived stance favouring Pakistan in the Kashmir issue. He has emphasised the importance of cultivating a proper relationship with India moving forward.



Under Starmer's leadership, the Labour Party has committed to stamping out any anti-India sentiments within its ranks. The party chair, Anneliese Dodds, has claimed that the party has "cleansed its ranks of any members with extremist views" on India.
Starmer and the Labour Party have taken a more pro-India stance compared to the party's previous leadership under Jeremy Corbyn. They are seeking to rebuild trust and strengthen the strategic partnership between the UK and India if they form the next government.