Starmer Secures £1.3B India Investment, 10,600 Jobs, and Deepened Defence Pacts to Solidify UK-India ‘Vision 2035’
MUMBAI, INDIA – Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer concluded a high-stakes two-day trade mission to India this week by announcing a substantial £1.3 billion investment from Indian businesses into the United Kingdom, a development projected to create an estimated 10,600 new jobs across key UK regions. The announcement, made during a bilateral meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Mumbai, signals a robust acceleration of the UK-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the implementation of the recently signed Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).
Landmark Economic Investment and Job Creation
The £1.3 billion commitment from 64 Indian investors, spanning technology, engineering, creative industries, and advanced manufacturing, is viewed by Downing Street as tangible proof of increased investor confidence following the signing of CETA in July 2025. This influx of capital is earmarked for projects across the UK, including significant investments in fintech firms Revolut and Tide, and manufacturing expansions, notably a £250 million investment by TVS Motor in Solihull for its Norton Motorcycles operation and next-generation electric vehicle development. These investments are specifically targeted at delivering growth and skilled employment in regions such as Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Midlands. The job creation figures, initially projected at 7,000, have been revised upwards to 10,600 following the conclusion of the mission.
Advancement of the Technology Security Initiative
Beyond commerce, the visit cemented critical strategic agreements in future-facing sectors. The leaders formalised progress under the Technology Security Initiative (TSI), establishing joint centres focused on the next generation of digital infrastructure. Key initiatives include the India–UK Connectivity and Innovation Centre dedicated to developing AI-native networks, 6G, and telecommunications cybersecurity, backed by an initial £24 million in joint funding. Furthermore, a new India–UK Joint Centre for AI was launched to advance the responsible application of artificial intelligence in health, climate, and fintech.
Strengthening Strategic Defence and Maritime Cooperation
Crucially, the mission reinforced the deepening security relationship. The two nations signed an agreement for an initial government-to-government supply of Lightweight Multirole Missile (LMM) systems, a contract valued at £350 million. This defence deal, which will support India’s air defence capabilities, is set to secure over 700 jobs in Belfast, Northern Ireland, where the missiles are manufactured. The leaders also committed to advancing collaboration on electric propulsion systems for Indian naval platforms and expanding military exercises, underscoring a joint commitment to maritime security in the Indo-Pacific.
Trade Deal: A ‘Launchpad for Growth’ and Educational Ties
In a press statement, Prime Minister Starmer described the trade deal as not just “a piece of paper,” but a “launchpad for growth.” He praised India’s economic ascent, noting its trajectory to become the world’s third-largest economy by 2028, and stressed the UK’s position as a natural partner in this journey. The visit also featured cultural and educational breakthroughs, including the final approval for nine British universities. including the University of Lancaster and the University of Surrey, to open new campuses in India, a move that establishes the UK as the leading international provider of higher education in the country.
The successful conclusion of the trade mission, accompanied by the largest ever government trade delegation to India, positions the UK-India relationship as a cornerstone of Britain’s post-Brexit global trade strategy. The strategic alignment on economics, defence, and critical technology signals a partnership focused on both immediate material benefits and long-term geopolitical stability under the ‘Vision 2035’ roadmap.
About The Author
