NEW DELHI, Oct 9 (KUNA) -- India and the UK agreed on Thursday to deepen bilateral cooperation in several areas of mutual interest after talks between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his British counterpart Keir Starmer in Mumbai.
In a joint press statement after the talks, Modi said under PM Starmer's leadership, India-UK relations have made significant progress.
Modi said that the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), signed during his UK visit in July, will reduce import costs, create new employment opportunities for youth, boost trade, and benefit both industries and consumers.
"Your visit to India along with the largest-ever business delegation, just months after the Agreement, reflects the new energy and broad vision driving the India-UK partnership," Modi said. The Indian PM added that the relations between the two countries are built on the shared values of democracy, freedom, and the rule of law.
"In todayآ’s time of global uncertainty, our growing partnership stands as an important pillar of global stability and economic progress," Modi said. Both sides discussed the Indo-Pacific, peace and stability in the Middle East, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
"On the issues of the Ukraine conflict and Gaza, India supports all efforts to restore peace through dialogue and diplomacy. We are fully committed to enhancing maritime security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region," Modi said. Modi also highlighted the immense possibilities in the technology partnership between India and the UK and asserted the shared commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals.
"PM Starmer is accompanied by the largest and most influential delegation from the education sector so far. It is a matter of great pleasure that several UK universities are now establishing campuses in India," Modi said, highlighting the increasing cooperation in the education field.
"Our defense cooperation has also deepened. We are moving towards defense co-production and connecting the defense industries of both countries. Taking our defense collaboration a step further, we have signed an agreement for cooperation in military training," Modi added.
On his part, Starmer stressed the importance of today's meeting and the agenda of his visit.
"We are building something here, we are creating a new modern partnership focused on the future and availing the opportunities and we are doing it together," he said.
The British PM hailed the "UK-India Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement as a breakthrough moment - years in the making, slashing tariffs, increasing access to each other's markets to drive growth and create jobs for our people and making life in both our nations." Starmer also welcomed the Gaza peace plan. "I strongly welcome the news that a deal has been reached on the first stage of the Peace Plan in Gaza. This is a moment of profound relief," he said.
He also appealed to the full and immediate implementation of this agreement and urged to immediately lift all restrictions on life-saving humanitarian aid to Gaza.
"The UK will support these crucial immediate steps and the next stages of the talks to ensure full implementation of the Peace Plan," he further said. (end) atk.gta