Syllabus:

GS-2: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests 

Context: 

In October 2025, UK Prime Minister along with 125-strong delegations undertook his first official visit to India. 

Key Highlights of the Visit

Technology and Innovation:

• establishment of the India-UK Connectivity and Innovation Centre 
• launch of the India-UK Joint Centre for Artificial Intelligence promises to accelerate research and development in AI-driven solutions.
• Phase II of the UK-India Critical Minerals Supply Chain Observatory was inaugurated, alongside a new satellite campus at IIT-ISM Dhanbad, reinforcing efforts to secure critical mineral supplies.
• The Critical Minerals Industry Guild was formed to ensure resilient supply chains and advance green technologies vital for sustainable development.

Education:

• A Letter of Intent was handed over for establishing a new campus of Lancaster University in Bengaluru, expanding higher education opportunities.
• The University of Surrey received in-principal approval to open a campus in GIFT City, Gujarat, further strengthening academic collaboration.

Trade and Investment: 

• The reconstituted India-UK CEO Forum held its inaugural meeting, fostering enhanced business dialogue.
• The India-UK Joint Economic Trade Committee (JETCO) was reset to prioritize the effective implementation of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), driving economic growth and job creation.
• A joint investment was announced in the Climate Technology Startup Fund, a strategic initiative under the UK Government and State Bank of India MoU, aimed at supporting innovative entrepreneurs specializing in climate technology and artificial intelligence.

Climate, Health, and Research: 

• Phase III of the Bio-Medical Research Career Program was launched, reinforcing collaborative healthcare innovation.
• The Offshore Wind Taskforce was established to promote renewable energy projects and energy security.
• A Letter of Intent was signed between the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) to foster joint health research programs.

Cultural Ties: The UK Prime Miniter announced that three Bollywood films would be made in the UK from next year.

India – UK Bilateral Relations

Sources: 
aljazeera
The Hindu
The Hindu