Prime Minister Narendra Modi held discussions with his UK counterpart, Keir Starmer, on the sidelines of the G20 Summit, where he highlighted his interest in strengthening collaboration in areas such as technology, green energy, security, and innovation.

After wrapping up a two-day visit to Nigeria, Modi arrived in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday. During the summit, he also engaged in discussions with leaders from Italy, Indonesia, Norway, and Portugal. “Had an extremely productive meeting with Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Rio de Janeiro. For India, the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with the UK is of immense priority,” said PM Modi in a post on X after his meeting with Starmer on Monday.

Modi further said, "In the coming years, we are eager to work closely in areas such as technology, green energy, security, innovation and technology. We also want to add strength to trade as well as cultural linkages." Modi also shared photos of his meeting with the UK Prime Minister, including moments of their greeting. The bilateral meeting gave the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership "fresh impetus," according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Prime Minister Keir Starmer of UK on the sidelines of the G20 Brazil Summit in Rio. The leaders discussed various facets of the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. They also acknowledged the need for a balanced and mutually beneficial FTA," the MEA said in its post on X. Following a meeting between Starmer and Modi in London, Downing Street announced plans for the UK to pursue a new strategic partnership with India. This partnership aims to include a comprehensive trade agreement and enhanced collaboration in key areas such as security, education, technology, and climate change.

Starmer confirmed that trade negotiations with India would resume in the new year, with his spokesperson emphasising the UK’s commitment to securing a trade deal with India, one of the world's fastest-growing economies. According to a statement issued by 10, Downing Street, Starmer said following the bilateral meeting, "A new trade deal with India will support jobs and prosperity in the UK -- and represent a step forward in our mission to deliver growth and opportunity across our country."

Earlier in the day in Rio, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a brief interaction with US President Joe Biden, though details of their conversation were not immediately available. Modi also held discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron, focusing on strengthening collaboration in areas like space, energy, and artificial intelligence. Additionally, he engaged with leaders from Brazil, Singapore, and Spain during the summit's sidelines on Monday.