Mumbai, October 8, 2025: United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer has arrived in Mumbai today. He is on his first official visit to India. A key part of his first day’s agenda includes a tour of the famous Yash Raj Films (YRF) studios.
This high-profile visit shows the growing importance of cultural ties. It is a big step to strengthen the connection between the UK and Indian film industries.
Prime Minister Starmer landed at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai earlier today. He was welcomed by important state officials. Mr. Starmer’s two-day visit is a major diplomatic event. It comes at the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Boosting Film Industry Collaboration
The visit to Yash Raj Films is a very important engagement. The main aim is to push for greater joint work between the film industries of both countries. Bollywood and the British film sector already have many connections. This visit is expected to open new doors for joint projects and creative partnerships.
Mr. Starmer is joined by a large delegation. This group includes more than 100 people. They are CEOs, top university officials, and also cultural leaders. The presence of cultural chiefs, like those from the British Film Institute, highlights the focus on the creative economy. They are looking to create new opportunities for exports, co-productions, and talent exchange. This includes film, fashion, sport, and digital culture.
Focus on Trade and Partnership
While the Bollywood visit is a highlight, the main focus of the trip is on trade. The UK and India recently signed a big agreement. It is the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). This deal happened in July 2025. The CETA is a central part of the future economic relationship.
Prime Minister Starmer wants to build on this trade deal. He aims to make business between the two nations stronger and faster. The trade deal is expected to increase the total business between India and the UK by a large amount. Estimates suggest a boost in trade by over £25 billion.
Day One Engagements
The first day of the visit is mainly devoted to UK-centric activities. After the YRF studio tour, the British PM will attend a football event. This event is organized by the English Premier League. This shows a focus on sports diplomacy alongside film and trade. Day one is packed with engagements to promote UK-India relations across different sectors.
Meeting PM Modi Tomorrow
The more formal talks will take place tomorrow, October 9. Prime Minister Starmer will meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Mumbai. They will review the progress of the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This partnership is guided by the ‘Vision 2035’ roadmap. The roadmap covers areas like trade, investment, technology, defense, and security.
Both leaders will also attend the 6th edition of the Global Fintech Fest in Mumbai. They will deliver keynote addresses at this important finance event. This two-day visit is expected to strongly reaffirm the shared goal of a forward-looking and ambitious partnership between India and the United Kingdom.
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