What Is India–UK Vision 2035?
On 24 July 2025, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the UK’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer met in London and launched India–UK Vision 2035, a long-term plan to deepen cooperation between their countries over the next decade.
This vision builds on an existing partnership and aims to work together in many areas to benefit both nations.
Vision 2035 includes five big pillars:
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- Trade and Growth
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- Technology and Innovation
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- Defence and Security
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- Climate Action and Clean Energy
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- Education and People-to-People Ties
Let’s explore each pillar in easy words.
1️⃣ Trade & Growth (Jobs and Business)
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- India and the UK have signed a new trade deal (CETA), which means businesses will pay fewer taxes to buy and sell goods and services between the two countries. This creates new jobs and opportunities in both India and the UK
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- They plan to work together through committees like JETCO, EFD, and a new Financial Dialogue to improve economic cooperation
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- They will make it easier for companies and governments in both countries to invest, trade legally, and meet each other
2️⃣ Technology & Innovation (Smart Ideas for the Future)
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- India and the UK will launch a joint Research & Innovation Corridor, where scientists and inventors from both countries will share ideas and work together on biotech, new materials, and advanced research hubs
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- They will set up a Joint AI Centre to build secure Artificial Intelligence tools that help solve real-world problems
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- A Connectivity Innovation Centre will also be created to improve internet, telecom, and 6G development in both countries
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- They will collaborate on quantum computers, clean energy, semiconductors, biotechnology, and even space research
3️⃣ Defence & Security (Keeping People Safe)
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- A ten-year Defence Industrial Roadmap will help both countries develop advanced military tech, such as jet engines and weapons technology together
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- Military cooperation will increase with more joint exercises, training exchanges, and shared defense research
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- India and the UK will work closely to fight terrorism, cyber-crime, and organized crime by sharing information and coordinating actions
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- They will also tighten efforts against illegal migration and strengthen rules-based global security through dialogues and missions like the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative
4️⃣ Climate & Clean Energy (Protecting Our Planet)
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- Both countries will help each other develop clean energy sources, such as offshore wind energy and carbon credit trading tools, and ensure their energy grids are resilient and green
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- A joint taskforce will focus on energy storage, solar power, hydrogen, and green tech, promoting eco-friendly business opportunities
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- They will join hands in global efforts to reduce climate risks, improve disaster readiness, and protect forests and biodiversity
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- Shared climate finance and sustainable investment will help fund projects that support low-carbon development in India and the UK
5️⃣ Education & People-to-People Ties (Growing Together)
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- India and the UK will hold an Annual Education Dialogue where their ministers meet to improve cooperation in universities, joint programs, and shared degrees
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- UK universities may open campuses in India, and both countries will encourage dual degree courses and student exchanges
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- A Green Skills Partnership will help train young people in eco-friendly careers and bridge skill gaps in both countries
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- Student exchange schemes like the Young Professionals Scheme and Study India Programme are set to expand, letting more students live, study, and work in each other’s countries for a time
🧭 How Will It Work?
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- The two Prime Ministers will keep meeting regularly to review progress and set long-term direction
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- Each year, India’s External Affairs Minister and the UK Foreign Secretary will meet to see how things are going and plan next steps
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- Minister-level teams (for trade, tech, investment, finance) will resolve cross-cutting issues quickly so the partnership stays flexible and effective
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- Both nations also pledged to support reform in international groups like the UN, WHO, IMF, WTO, and the World Bank, so these can better deal with today’s problems
🤝 Why Is This Important?
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- More job opportunities in cutting-edge industries like tech, clean energy, and research.
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- Easier chances for students to study abroad or take special courses in top universities.
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- A healthier planet and greener future through clean energy and climate action.
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- Stronger security and safety internationally, with fewer dangers like cyber-attacks or illegal schemes.
- A chance to meet new friends from the UK as teachers and students travel more for work and study.
📋 Summary Table
Pillar | What It Means in Simple Terms |
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Trade & Growth | Easier business and more jobs through lower trade taxes |
Technology & Innovation | Shared inventions in AI, biotech, space, and clean tech |
Defence & Security | Teams working together to keep both countries safe |
Climate & Clean Energy | Green projects, solar power, and fighting climate change |
Education & People Exchange | Schools sharing students, exchange programs, and university campuses |