Mumbai: The issue of extremism was discussed in detail during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with UK PM Keir Starmer on Thursday.
The Indian PM flagged the activities of Khalistani extremists in the UK, and said action should be taken against those involved in radicalism and violent extremism through the legal frameworks of the two countries.
The path-breaking India-UK CETA will create new job opportunities for youth, expand trade and benefit both our industries as well as consumers. In this context, PM Starmer and I discussed trade linkages and economic ties between our nations in the times to come. @Keir_Starmer pic.twitter.com/zs5obf7Hh7
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 9, 2025
Modi, who had raised India’s concerns about UK-based Khalistani elements at a joint media interaction with Starmer during his visit to Britain in July, did not make any public remark on the matter on Thursday. However, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed the issue of extremism did figure in discussions between the two PMs.
“The activities of Khalistani extremists… had come up in the discussions in July. It was flagged again during the discussions held today and the Prime Minister (Modi) emphasised that radicalism and violent extremism had no space in democratic societies,” Misri told a media briefing in Mumbai.
Misri informed that Modi emphasised Khalistani elements “should not be allowed to use or abuse the freedoms provided by democratic societies” and there is a “need to move against them within the legal frameworks that are available to both sides.”
Glad to have taken part in the Global Fintech Fest 2025 in Mumbai with PM Keir Starmer. Platforms like this highlight our nation’s resolve to strengthen this sector and build new momentum for global welfare.@Keir_Starmer pic.twitter.com/3SjilFkWtw
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 9, 2025
Describing Starmer’s first visit to India as “truly a partnership for the people”, Misri highlighted that the two nations are working together on multiple fronts that will benefit citizens of both countries.
The landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the two nations will support India’s vision of a Viksit Bharat and generate employment opportunities for the youth, he noted.
Starmer is accompanied by a high-powered delegation, including 125 of the UK’s most prominent business leaders, entrepreneurs and educationists — largest-ever UK business delegation visiting India.
UK universities to open campus in India
Nine vice-chancellors from major UK universities planning collaborations in India are part of the delegation.
PM Modi also said that these nine UK universities will open campuses in India.
Among the UK universities which will come to India include:
* University of Southampton in Gurugram (campus already operational)
* University of Liverpool in Bengaluru
* University of York in Mumbai
* University of Aberdeen in Mumbai
* University of Bristol in Mumbai.
Yash Raj Films to shoot 3 projects in UK
Starmer, who engaged with Indian business leaders, also visited Yash Raj Films (YRF) to explore collaboration in film production.
Starmer announced that YRF will shoot three major projects in the UK, starting in early 2026. The move is expected to create over 3,000 jobs and boost the British economy.
Starmer, accompanied by Rani Mukerji, toured Yash Raj Studios along with representatives from the British Film Institute, the British Film Commission, Pinewood Studios, Elstree Studios, and Civic Studios.
Starmer asked industry leaders from both countries to outline what their governments could do to remove barriers preventing them from capitalising on opportunities.
“We want to support you to maximise the potential in relation to this trade agreement,” Starmer said, noting that trade and investment had already seen a £6 billion boost in the three months since the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) was signed in July.
