India and UK Set the Stage for a New Era of Innovation and Technology Cooperation

In a landmark moment for global technology and innovation, India and the United Kingdom have taken a decisive step toward deepening their partnership in frontier technologies, research, and sustainable development. The announcement came during UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s first official visit to India, hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Global Fintech Fest 2025 in Mumbai. The high-profile visit, supported by a 125-member delegation of CEOs, entrepreneurs, and academics, highlighted how innovation and technology have become central pillars of the India–UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

India-UK Partnership - Pioneering Innovation Together

At the heart of the discussions was a shared vision: harness emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), 6G telecommunications, biotechnology, and critical minerals to fuel inclusive growth, resilience, and sustainable development. Both leaders stressed the importance of leveraging these technologies not just for economic gain but also for societal benefit, setting the stage for long-term, ethical, and responsible innovation.

One of the standout frameworks guiding this cooperation is the Technology Security Initiative (TSI), which has now entered a more advanced phase. Under the TSI, several key projects were announced:

• India–UK Connectivity and Innovation Centre: A dedicated hub for developing AI-native 6G networks, Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs), and advanced cybersecurity systems for telecommunications. The project begins with a joint funding commitment of £24 million.

• India–UK Joint Centre for AI: A flagship institution promoting responsible and trustworthy AI in sectors like healthcare, climate resilience, fintech, and engineering biology. It aims to set global standards for ethical AI development.

• UK–India Critical Minerals Collaboration Guild: Expanding Phase 2 of the Critical Minerals Supply Chain Observatory, this initiative will integrate advanced tracking technologies, broaden mineral coverage, and establish a satellite campus at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad.

These projects underscore the strategic intent of both nations to cement their status as global technology leaders while prioritising sustainability, digital inclusion, and resilience.

Biotechnology and Health Innovation

The partnership also brings a significant boost to the life sciences ecosystem. India and the UK announced collaborations to advance biomanufacturing, 3D bioprinting, and genomics, with the aim of delivering transformative healthcare solutions. Key partnerships include:

• Centre for Process Innovation (CPI), UK with India’s Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC) institutions

• Henry Royce Institute (HRI) with Indian Institute of Science (IISc)

• Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) with BRIC–Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD)

These initiatives are expected to accelerate precision medicine, enhance biotech manufacturing capabilities, and foster joint research in critical health technologies.

Driving Climate Tech and Clean Energy

Recognising the role of innovation in achieving net-zero goals, both countries also launched the India–UK Climate Finance Initiative, which includes a Climate Tech Start-up Fund under a memorandum of understanding between the UK Government and the State Bank of India. This fund aims to support entrepreneurs developing AI-driven solutions for climate adaptation, renewable energy, and sustainable manufacturing.

Additionally, both nations welcomed the creation of an Offshore Wind Taskforce and agreed to explore collaborations under the Global Clean Power Alliance (GCPA), signalling a clear focus on clean energy and climate innovation.

Education and Talent Exchange

Innovation thrives where talent and education intersect. Prime Ministers Modi and Starmer celebrated the opening of nine UK university campuses in India, including the University of Southampton in Gurugram, with upcoming campuses in GIFT City and Bengaluru. Institutions such as the University of Liverpool, York, Aberdeen, Bristol, and Coventry will deepen academic collaboration, research exchange, and skill development, helping build a robust cross-border innovation ecosystem.

The launch of the Annual Ministerial Strategic Education Dialogue will further institutionalise India–UK cooperation in STEM education, AI research, and digital learning frameworks, ensuring a steady pipeline of skilled professionals to drive future technologies.

Innovation as a Driver of Trade and Investment

On the economic front, the India–UK CEO Forum, held alongside the summit, highlighted investment opportunities in advanced manufacturing, clean energy, defence tech, fintech, and consumer innovation. The UK India Infrastructure Financing Bridge (UKIIFB), jointly managed by NITI Aayog and the City of London Corporation, was highlighted as a model for sustainable tech-driven infrastructure financing.

With the ratification of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and the revitalisation of the Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO), both governments aim to deepen technology transfer, promote startup collaboration, and foster innovation-led trade growth.

Shaping a Shared Digital Future

The joint statement by the two leaders reflected a vision for an open, secure, and inclusive digital order. Investments in AI, quantum technologies, cybersecurity, and 6G are expected to set global standards and redefine the digital landscape. Prime Minister Modi emphasised India’s ambition to become a global innovation powerhouse, while Prime Minister Starmer praised India’s technological progress and the potential of joint innovation to address global challenges.

“Together, India and the UK are setting the pace for a future powered by responsible innovation,” the leaders declared, underlining the importance of ethical technology, inclusive growth, and shared prosperity.

Prime Minister Starmer’s visit not only reaffirmed the strength of the India–UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership but also charted a bold roadmap for collaboration in innovation, research, and technology-driven economic growth. As both nations invest in frontier technologies, the India–UK alliance is poised to influence global standards in AI governance, sustainable innovation, and digital trust—anchored in shared democratic values and a commitment to human progress.