BREAKING
BJD, BJP spar over move to set up nuclear power plantIs the superstar taking a gamble?Father and son killin in accidentGedela Raju: Raghu Kunche wins accoladesRoad safety drive lacks progressShravan Reddy speaks about his multi-faceted role in ‘Agadha’Collectors asked to ensure minimum school staffingRakul mesmerizes in leopard-print dressLow pressure again, IMD forecasts heavy rains‘Shiva Gadi Zindagi’ first-single unveiled
National

PM Modi, UK’s Burnham hold first phone call; discuss AI, defence, trade and Strait of Hormuz

hellohimachalse@gmail.com 31 Jul 2026 31 Jul 2026

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi held his first telephone conversation with newly elected UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham on Friday and congratulated him on assuming office.

The two leaders agreed to deepen cooperation between India and the United Kingdom in technology, artificial intelligence, defence, trade, security, education and clean energy. They also discussed the situation in the Middle East, including efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global energy supplies and trade.

PM Modi congratulates Burnham

In a post on X after the conversation, PM Modi extended his best wishes to Burnham and reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening ties with the UK. “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.”

PM Modi said India and the UK would work together across several strategic sectors to take their relationship forward.

“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.”

Focus on trade agreement

Both leaders also discussed the recently operationalised India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement. They agreed to use the pact to increase bilateral trade and investment.

“We will also collaborate closely to fully harness the trade and investment opportunities presented by the recently operationalized India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, for the shared prosperity and well-being of both our people.”

The agreement seeks to create new opportunities for businesses and strengthen economic relations between the two countries.

Burnham backs Vision 2035

According to a statement from the UK Prime Minister’s Office, Burnham described India-UK relations as a strong partnership that had made an important contribution to communities across Britain.

He expressed his intention to strengthen bilateral relations through the UK-India Vision 2035 framework and closer people-to-people connections.

Burnham also praised the Indian community’s contribution to British society. During the conversation, PM Modi referred to the historical connection between Manchester and Ahmedabad, which is often called the “Manchester of India”.

AI cooperation discussed

The UK Prime Minister’s Office said Burnham reaffirmed his commitment to advancing the UK-India Technology Security Initiative.

The two leaders identified artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies as major areas for future cooperation. They also agreed to continue working closely on defence, innovation and security.

Related News