New Delhi, India: The India-UK CEO Forum convened in New Delhi, marking a significant milestone in bilateral economic cooperation. The high-level meeting, attended by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, brought together top industry leaders and policymakers from both nations to discuss trade expansion, innovation, defense partnerships, and sustainable growth.

The Forum outlined an ambitious roadmap to double bilateral trade from approximately US$ 56 billion to US$ 100 billion by 2030, underscoring a renewed commitment to deepen economic and technological ties between the two countries.

“India and the United Kingdom share a partnership built on trust, innovation, and shared prosperity. Together, we can redefine the global growth story,” said Prime Minister Modi during his address to the Forum.

Major Announcements and Key Sectors

1. Nuclear Power Opening to Private Sector
   In a historic move, Prime Minister Modi announced the opening of India’s nuclear power sector to private players, inviting UK companies to collaborate in clean and advanced energy technologies.
2. Trade and Investment Push
   Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to finalizing the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), which aims to remove trade barriers and facilitate investment across priority sectors including renewable energy, infrastructure, defense, and manufacturing.
3. Technology and Innovation Partnership
   The two countries launched the India-UK Connectivity & Innovation Centre and a Joint Centre for Artificial Intelligence, focused on emerging technologies such as 6G, cybersecurity, green tech, and AI applications in healthcare and finance.
4. Defense and Strategic Cooperation
   A £350 million defense contract was signed for the supply of lightweight multi-role missiles to India, strengthening military and technological collaboration between the two nations. Cooperation on naval electric propulsion systems was also discussed.
5. Education and Cultural Exchange
   The Forum highlighted expansion in the creative industries, with new agreements for Bollywood film productions in the UK and the establishment of UK university campuses in India, enhancing educational and cultural partnerships.

Business Leadership and Private Sector Engagement

The CEO Forum featured participation from leading business figures across diverse sectors — from finance and infrastructure to pharmaceuticals and renewable energy. The discussions emphasized ease of doing business, regulatory harmonization, and mutual investment incentives.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the strategic value of the partnership:

“This is not just about trade. It’s about building a future-ready alliance based on innovation, sustainability, and mutual respect. Our businesses are the engines of this partnership.”

Strategic Implications

The 2025 edition of the CEO Forum marks a shift from dialogue to delivery, as both nations move toward implementing tangible projects in technology, defense, and green energy. The initiative aligns with India’s “Make in India” vision and the UK’s focus on strengthening global economic partnerships post-Brexit.

Experts say that the partnership could become a model for modern bilateral trade, combining innovation, sustainability, and shared geopolitical interests.

Looking Ahead

The next phase will focus on the implementation of joint projects, ratification of the India-UK Trade Agreement, and regulatory reforms to facilitate seamless business operations. Both governments have agreed to monitor progress through a biannual review mechanism.

The Forum reaffirmed that business and government collaboration will remain central to achieving the $100 billion trade target and building a future-ready India-UK partnership.