London: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday described the signing of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as a "historic day" in bilateral relations, hailing the landmark pact as a blueprint for shared prosperity and a new chapter in strategic partnership between the two democracies.

Speaking after the formal signing ceremony in London, Modi said the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement was the outcome of "many years of hard work" and would transform the economic relationship between India and the United Kingdom.

He also joined British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in unveiling the UK-India Vision 2035 roadmap to scale up cooperation across key sectors.

“Today marks a historic day in our bilateral relations. I am pleased that after many years of hard work the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement has been concluded today. This agreement does not only pave the way for economic partnership but is also a blueprint of shared prosperity,” Modi said.

He emphasised that the agreement would open up better market access in the UK for Indian exports such as textiles, footwear, gems and jewellery, seafood and engineering goods, while also boosting prospects for India’s agricultural and processed food sectors.

“This agreement is especially beneficial for India’s farmers, youth, fishermen and the MSME sector,” he noted.

On the consumer side, the Prime Minister highlighted that the deal would make products manufactured in the UK — such as medical devices and aerospace components — more affordable for Indian citizens.

The agreement also includes a consensus on the double contribution convention, which Modi said would energise the service sectors in both countries, particularly in technology and finance, by reducing the cost of doing business.

He further pointed out that the FTA would allow the UK to benefit from India’s skilled talent pool, boost job creation and expand business opportunities on both sides.

“Moreover, as an agreement between two democracies and the world’s two major economies, it will lend support to global security and prosperity,” he said.

Vision 2035: A Decade-long Strategic Roadmap

Alongside the trade deal, the two countries also launched their joint "Vision 2035", a strategic roadmap to deepen collaboration in technology, defence, education, environment, and people-to-people exchanges.

"A defence industrial roadmap has also been drawn up for partnership in defence and security," Modi said.

He reaffirmed India's commitment to strengthening the Technology Security Initiative with the UK, spanning areas from artificial intelligence and semiconductors to cyber security and critical minerals. “It is our commitment that from AI to critical minerals, from semiconductors to cyber security, we shall create the future together,” he said.

UK universities in India and shared fight against terrorism

In education, Modi announced that six UK universities are opening campuses in India, adding that the University of Southampton had recently inaugurated its Gurugram campus. “We are writing a new chapter together,” he said.

Thanking Prime Minister Starmer for strongly condemning the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Modi said the two leaders were united in their resolve against terrorism.

“We are united in the belief that there is no place for double standards in the fight against terrorism,” he said.

He warned against the misuse of democratic freedoms by forces that propagate extremist ideologies.

“Those who use democratic freedom to undermine democracy itself must be held to account,” he said, noting that Indian and UK security agencies would strengthen coordination on issues such as the extradition of economic offenders.

Global peace and a nod to the diaspora

On foreign policy, Modi said the two countries continued to exchange views on peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific, as well as the situations in Ukraine and West Asia.

“We support early restoration of peace and stability. Respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries is essential. Today’s era demands development, not expansionism,” he asserted.

Modi also expressed condolences over the recent plane crash in Ahmedabad that claimed the lives of several British nationals.

He paid tribute to the Indian-origin community in the UK, calling them a "living bridge" between the two countries.

“They did not just bring curry from India but also creativity, commitment and character. Their immense contributions are not just limited to the UK’s economy but also visible in its culture, sports and public service,” he said.

Ending his speech on a light note, Modi likened the India-UK relationship to a game of cricket — a passion shared by both nations.

“There may be a swing and a miss sometimes, but we always play with a straight bat. We are committed to building a high-scoring, solid partnership,” he said.

Modi thanked Starmer for his warm hospitality and extended an invitation to the UK Prime Minister to visit India.

“I am eagerly looking forward to hosting you in India very, very soon,” he said.