India and the United Kingdom are expected to maintain strong bilateral ties under the leadership of Britain’s new Prime Minister Andy Burnham, with diplomats, business leaders and strategic experts expressing confidence that cooperation between the two countries will continue to grow.
Burnham officially assumed office as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom on Monday after being elected unopposed as the Labour Party leader, succeeding Keir Starmer.
His appointment comes at a time when India-UK relations are at their strongest in more than a decade, supported by high-level diplomatic engagements and the implementation of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).
Business Leaders Expect Greater Stability
Business leaders believe Burnham’s leadership could provide much-needed political stability in the UK and encourage greater investment between the two nations.
Lord Karan Bilimoria, founder of Cobra Beer and co-chair of the India All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG), said he expects Burnham to continue prioritising relations with India.
Bilimoria noted that the UK has seen seven prime ministers in the past decade. Therefore, he hopes Burnham’s tenure will bring political stability over the next few years, giving businesses greater confidence to invest.
He also said stronger investment from both countries would create jobs and boost economic growth.
According to Bilimoria, India and the UK should aim to increase bilateral trade from nearly £50 billion at present to £100 billion by 2030.
Burnham’s Long Association With India
Indian diplomats also expect Burnham to strengthen engagement beyond London, particularly with northern England.
Vishakha Yaduvanshi, India’s Consul General in Manchester, said Burnham has consistently supported stronger ties between India and the Greater Manchester region.
She highlighted that the opening of India’s Consulate in Manchester last year has expanded cooperation with local industries, universities, sports organisations and research institutions.
Yaduvanshi also pointed to Burnham’s long-standing engagement with India.
She recalled his visit to Mumbai, Bengaluru and New Delhi in 2019, where he explored opportunities in several sectors, including:
- Digital technology
- Advanced manufacturing
- Healthcare
- Engineering
- Tourism
- Sports
- Higher education
She also noted his meeting with former Indian High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami in late 2025 and his participation in the India-North England Opportunity Summit earlier this year.
Focus On Trade, Innovation And Regional Partnerships
Rajesh Agrawal, Chair of Labour Friends of India, said Burnham has consistently promoted long-term partnerships through business, innovation, education and improved transport connectivity.
He added that Burnham has supported efforts to strengthen direct air links between Manchester and India, making business and travel easier.
Agrawal also believes Burnham’s emphasis on devolved governance could encourage stronger cooperation between the UK’s regions and India’s individual states.
Defence Cooperation To Remain A Key Priority
Experts expect defence and strategic cooperation to remain another major pillar of the India-UK partnership.
Rahul Roy-Chaudhury, Senior Fellow for South Asia at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), said Burnham has an opportunity to build on the progress made through recent bilateral visits and the implementation of CETA.
According to Roy-Chaudhury, the new government can deepen defence ties while advancing the shared prosperity agenda between the two countries.
Experts Suggest New Initiatives
The London-based 1928 Institute said the incoming government inherits a positive relationship with India but should take additional steps to maintain momentum.
The institute recommended creating an India Task Force or appointing a dedicated trade envoy to oversee the expanding partnership.
Meanwhile, Labour peer and technology entrepreneur Uday Nagaraju said the next phase of India-UK cooperation should focus on turning the trade agreement into tangible outcomes.
He believes both countries should prioritise:
- Higher investment flows
- Increased exports
- Research and innovation partnerships
- Greater opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses
India-UK Partnership Poised For Further Growth
With the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) now in force and political support from both sides, experts believe India and the UK are entering a new phase of cooperation.
Trade, defence, technology, education and regional partnerships are expected to remain central to the relationship as both countries work towards expanding economic opportunities and strengthening strategic ties in the coming years.