Strengthening Ties: PM Modi and UK PM Keir Starmer's Shared Journey to Global Fintech Fest

In a rare and symbolic gesture, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer shared a car ride to the Global Fintech Fest 2025 in Mumbai. This moment underscored the deepening relationship between India and the United Kingdom, highlighting a commitment to collaborative growth and mutual respect.

Image from NDTV

A Symbolic Gesture of Friendship

On October 9, 2025, Prime Minister Modi shared a photograph of himself and Prime Minister Starmer in the same vehicle, captioning it, “India-UK friendship is on the move and is filled with great vigour!” This image, taken before their attendance at the Global Fintech Fest, was widely circulated, symbolizing the strengthening of bilateral ties between the two nations.

Global Fintech Fest 2025: A Platform for Innovation

The Global Fintech Fest, held from October 7 to 9, 2025, at the Jio World Convention Centre and Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre in Mumbai, attracted over 100,000 delegates from more than 100 countries. The event focused on the theme "Empowering Finance for a Better World Powered by AI," emphasizing the integration of Artificial Intelligence with human insight to drive smarter financial decision-making, foster innovation, and ensure inclusive access to financial services.

Bilateral Discussions: Enhancing Economic Cooperation

During the event, Prime Ministers Modi and Starmer engaged in discussions aimed at enhancing economic cooperation between India and the UK. They expressed satisfaction with the upward trajectory of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and reaffirmed their commitment to global peace, stability, and a rules-based international order. The leaders also discussed global and regional issues of mutual interest, signaling a shared vision for a collaborative future.

Commitment to Doubling Trade

A significant outcome of the bilateral discussions was the commitment to doubling bilateral trade between India and the UK by 2030. This ambitious goal reflects the growing economic ties and mutual interest in fostering a robust trade relationship that benefits both nations.

Shared Vision for Technological Inclusion

Both leaders highlighted the importance of technological inclusion in their addresses at the Global Fintech Fest. Prime Minister Modi emphasized that the democratization of technology is a hallmark of India's approach, enabling widespread access and benefits. He cited initiatives like Digital India, Jan Dhan Yojana, and Aadhaar as examples of how technology has been leveraged to promote financial inclusion.

Prime Minister Starmer echoed these sentiments, inviting Indian fintech innovators and investors to expand their global footprint through partnerships with the UK. He expressed the UK's ambition to become the number one partner for finance and fintech innovation, underscoring the shared vision for a digitally inclusive future.

The MGMM Outlook

The shared car ride of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to the Global Fintech Fest 2025 in Mumbai was a powerful symbol of the deepening partnership between India and the United Kingdom. Beyond the photo-op, this gesture reflected a growing mutual respect and a shared commitment to collaborative growth. At the event, which brought together over 100,000 delegates from more than 100 countries, both leaders emphasized technological inclusion and innovation, highlighting initiatives like Digital India, Jan Dhan Yojana, and Aadhaar as examples of India’s approach to democratizing technology for broader financial access.

The discussions between Modi and Starmer further underscored the ambitious agenda of the two nations, including the goal of doubling bilateral trade by 2030. Both leaders highlighted the importance of integrating Artificial Intelligence with human insight to drive smarter financial decisions and foster global fintech innovation. The event showcased a vision for a digitally inclusive future, with the UK inviting Indian innovators to expand their global presence and India demonstrating its commitment to accessible technology. This collaboration signals a forward-looking approach to strengthening economic and technological ties between the two countries.

(Sources: NDTV, Economic Times, Times of India)