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India and the United Kingdom on Thursday unveiled a bold new chapter in their bilateral relationship with the formal adoption of ‘India-UK Vision 2035’, a roadmap designed to steer the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations over the next decade.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer jointly announced the initiative during a high-level summit, underscoring their shared ambition to enhance cooperation across key sectors, including technology, defence, clean energy, education, and counter-terrorism.
“Vision 2035 is a roadmap for a strong, trusted, and ambitious partnership,” Prime Minister Modi said during a joint press statement. “From artificial intelligence to semiconductors, from critical minerals to cyber security, we shall create the future together.”
A Decade-Long Strategic Framework
The Vision 2035 document outlines a time-bound framework with a series of specific initiatives aimed at strengthening ties in areas such as economic growth, climate action, and people-to-people connectivity. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, briefing the media after the summit, said the Vision is structured around multiple pillars and includes mechanisms for implementation and review.
“Vision 2035 is not just aspirational—it is actionable,” Misri stressed. “It incorporates structured programs in defence collaboration, technology partnerships, and enhanced educational exchange, all with concrete timelines.”
Major Defence Collaboration and Industrial Roadmap
A key highlight of the summit was the adoption of the India-UK Defence Industrial Roadmap, which aims to scale up joint defence manufacturing and innovation. According to officials, the roadmap seeks to connect public and private sector entities from both nations in the design, production, and marketing of advanced defence technologies, not just for domestic needs, but also for global markets.
“This roadmap will deepen defence collaboration and institutional linkages,” Misri noted, pointing to opportunities in co-development and supply chain integration.
Technology Security and Emerging Sectors
Marking the first anniversary of the Bilateral Technology Security Initiative (TSI), both sides reaffirmed their commitment to safeguard and promote innovation in sensitive and high-tech domains. The initiative has been key in facilitating cooperation in emerging technologies, particularly AI, telecom, and critical mineral supply chains.
The two governments jointly released a progress report on the TSI’s implementation during the visit.
Unified Stand Against Terrorism and Extremism
The leaders also held detailed discussions on international security, with particular emphasis on counterterrorism and tackling extremism. Prime Minister Modi expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Starmer for the UK’s strong condemnation of the recent Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of Indian security personnel.
“Terrorism is a global threat. India and the UK are aligned in their resolve to fight extremism and radicalisation,” Modi stated.
Foreign Secretary Misri highlighted that both governments are working closely across law enforcement and diplomatic channels to address threats posed by extremist groups, including those targeting Indian missions and personnel in the UK. “We have seen increased cooperation from the UK side, and we expect this to continue,” he said.
Action on Economic Offenders
India also raised concerns regarding economic fugitives evading justice by residing abroad. Modi called for the UK’s continued cooperation in ensuring the swift completion of legal processes so that offenders are held accountable.
“We have consistently brought this issue to the UK’s attention, and we expect action through established legal frameworks,” Misri said.
A Shared Vision for a Transformative Future
The summit marks a milestone in India-UK relations, signalling a shift toward more integrated cooperation in global and strategic affairs. With Vision 2035 as a guiding document and concrete frameworks, such as the Defence Industrial Roadmap and TSI, in place, the partnership is poised to enter a phase of rapid implementation and delivery.
“The foundation has been laid for a transformative decade,” Misri concluded. “What we’re seeing is not just diplomacy, but a partnership of purpose.”
Huma Siddiqui
