PM Modi Welcomes Andy Burnham as UK PM, Backs Deeper India-UK Cooperation
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday congratulated Andy Burnham on taking office as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, saying he looks forward to working closely with Britain's new leader to deepen bilateral ties and advance the India-UK Vision 2035 partnership.
In a message posted on X, Modi said India and the UK are united by shared democratic values and have built strong cooperation across trade, investment, technology, defence and people-to-people exchanges.
"Warmest congratulations to Mr Andy Burnham on assuming office as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom," Modi wrote.
He also highlighted the significance of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), which came into force earlier this month, calling it a major milestone that is expected to accelerate economic cooperation between the two countries.
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"With CETA entering into force this month, our bilateral partnership is poised to grow even stronger. I look forward to working closely with you to further deepen the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and advance our shared Vision 2035," Modi said.
Burnham, 56, officially became Britain's 59th Prime Minister on Monday after Keir Starmer resigned, marking another leadership transition during a period of prolonged political and economic uncertainty in the country.
Accompanied by his wife, Marie-France van Heel, Burnham arrived at 10 Downing Street before delivering his first address to the nation.
Acknowledging public frustration with politics, he pledged to restore stability and confidence in government.
"Britain needs to show the world that we can regain our stability once again," Burnham said, adding that his government would work to "make politics work better."
He also described himself as a "circuit breaker for Britain," promising the biggest reforms the country has seen in four decades.
Reflecting on the rapid turnover of British leadership, Burnham noted that he is the seventh Prime Minister since 2016 and said the moment called for "reflection and new resolution."
His appointment comes at a time when India and the UK are entering a new phase of engagement, with the implementation of the bilateral trade agreement expected to boost commerce, investment and strategic cooperation.
(With inputs from ANI)