Modi, Burnham speak, discuss post-FTA trade, West Asia situation
This story was originally published at 23:07 IST on 31 July 2026
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NEW DELHI – Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his British counterpart Andy Burnham held a telephonic conversation Friday. The two leaders discussed the trade and investment opportunities presented by the recently operationalised India-UK free trade agreement, cooperation in areas of defence, security, clean energy, and artificial intelligence, and the evolving situation in West Asia and the Strait of Hormuz.
"Delighted to speak with Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Andy Burnham. Congratulated him on assuming office and conveyed my best wishes for a successful tenure," Modi posted on social media platform X.
"We agreed to work together across sectors such as technology, innovation, defence, security, clean energy, education, and people-to-people ties, and take the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to new heights," he said.
The prime minister said the two countries will also collaborate closely to "fully harness the trade and investment opportunities" presented by the recently operationalised India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement".
Number 10 Downing Street said in a statement that the two leaders also discussed the situation in West Asia, agreeing to continue to work closely together towards de-escalation and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
Burnham underlined the need to enhance the UK-India relationship, including through the UK-India Vision 2035 framework and strong people-to-people links. He also praised the contribution Indian communities in the UK make to the fabric of British society.
"Both leaders look forward to speaking again soon and meeting in person at the earliest opportunity," according to the statement from the British prime minister's office. Burnham took office as prime minister on Jul. 20 after Keir Starmer stepped down after he lost support in the ruling Labour Party. End
Reported by Asim Khan
Edited by Rajeev Pai
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