Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday held his first official telephone conversation with newly elected UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham, with both leaders agreeing to strengthen cooperation across trade, technology, defence, artificial intelligence, investment and other strategic sectors. Sharing details of the conversation on X, PM Modi said he was delighted to speak with Burnham and once again congratulated him on assuming office. He also conveyed his best wishes for a successful tenure as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. PM Modi Shares Details of Phone Call In his post on X, Prime Minister Modi said the two leaders discussed ways to further deepen the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. "Delighted to speak with PM Andy Burnham. Congratulated him once again on assuming office and wished him a successful tenure. We agreed to work together across sectors and further strengthen the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership," Modi said. The conversation comes shortly after Burnham took charge as Britain's Prime Minister, with both countries looking to expand cooperation under their shared Vision 2035 framework. Who Is Andy Burnham? Andy Burnham is the newly elected Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and leader of the Labour Party. He officially assumed office on July 20, 2026, succeeding Keir Starmer. Before becoming Prime Minister, Burnham served as the Mayor of Greater Manchester from 2017 to 2026, where he gained recognition for transport reforms, regional development and public service initiatives. A long-time Labour politician, Burnham has represented Parliament since 2001 and has previously held senior cabinet positions, including Health Secretary, Culture Secretary and Chief Secretary to the Treasury. He also served in several shadow cabinet roles before returning to frontline politics and eventually becoming Prime Minister. (CLICK HERE TO SEE X POST ) Focus on Trade, Technology and Security According to official statements, the two leaders discussed expanding collaboration in several priority areas, including artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, defence, trade, investment, innovation and people-to-people exchanges. They also exchanged views on regional and global developments, reaffirming their commitment to working closely on shared international challenges. The phone call reflects the importance both nations place on strengthening bilateral ties as India and the UK continue to enhance economic and strategic cooperation. India-UK Relations Continue to Grow India and the United Kingdom have maintained strong diplomatic and economic relations over the years, with collaboration spanning education, healthcare, technology, clean energy, defence and investment. Following Burnham's appointment, PM Modi had earlier congratulated him and expressed confidence that the partnership between the two democracies would continue to grow stronger. The latest conversation further reinforces both governments' commitment to advancing cooperation across multiple sectors. As Burnham begins his tenure at 10 Downing Street, the leaders signalled their intention to build on the momentum in India-UK relations, with greater focus on trade, innovation and strategic partnerships in the years ahead.
