Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK Labour leader Keir Starmer addressed the India-UK CEO Forum on October 9, emphasizing enhanced market access and stronger bilateral ties. The forum aims to chart a comprehensive roadmap targeting $100 billion in bilateral trade by 2030, fostering mutual economic growth.
PM Modi and Keir Starmer address India-UK CEO Forum, outlining plans to boost bilateral trade to $100 billion by 2030 and strengthen economic ties.
New Delhi, October 9, 2025 – In a significant development for India-UK economic relations, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and United Kingdom Labour Party leader Keir Starmer jointly addressed the India-UK CEO Forum today. The high-profile engagement, held in New Delhi, focused on charting a collaborative roadmap to strengthen bilateral ties and dramatically increase trade between the two nations by 2030.
During the forum, both leaders underscored the mutual benefits of enhanced market access and deeper economic integration. Prime Minister Modi highlighted the importance of forging a resilient and shared progress strategy that leverages the complementary strengths of India and the UK’s economies. “Our vision is clear: to establish a roadmap that not only boosts bilateral trade to $100 billion by 2030 but also fosters sustainable and inclusive growth for both countries,” Modi stated.
Keir Starmer echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for renewed partnerships built on trust and shared economic goals. “The India-UK relationship has immense potential. Unlocking this will require cooperation across sectors—technology, finance, manufacturing, and services—and ensuring that markets are accessible and conducive for business expansion,” Starmer remarked.
The India-UK CEO Forum, comprising leading business executives, policymakers, and industry stakeholders from both nations, serves as a vital platform to address key challenges and identify opportunities for collaboration. Topics discussed included improving regulatory frameworks, promoting innovation, enhancing supply chain integration, and increasing investments in strategic sectors.
Bilateral trade between India and the UK has witnessed steady growth over the past decade, but both sides agree there is substantial untapped potential. The current trade volume stands at approximately $50 billion, and the ambition is to double this figure within the next five years through targeted policy initiatives and business facilitation measures.
A central theme at the forum was harnessing emerging technologies and fostering innovation-driven partnerships. Both leaders stressed the importance of facilitating ease of doing business, encouraging startups, and supporting joint ventures to drive economic expansion.
The forum also addressed sustainable development goals and green technologies, highlighting areas where India and the UK can collaborate to combat climate change while creating new economic opportunities.
Industry representatives welcomed the dialogue, viewing it as a positive step towards strengthening economic ties and creating a predictable environment for trade and investment. “The joint commitment from leadership provides clarity and confidence to businesses on both sides. We look forward to actionable policies that will remove bottlenecks and open markets,” said a UK-based CEO participating in the forum.
As the India-UK CEO Forum concludes, the shared vision articulated by Prime Minister Modi and Keir Starmer sets the stage for a deeper and more productive partnership. With a clear target of $100 billion bilateral trade by 2030, the roadmap outlined seeks to ensure sustained economic growth and collaborative prosperity for both nations.
