Mumbai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that nine leading British universities will open campuses in India, marking a major step forward in bilateral educational collaboration.

“It has been decided to open nine British university campuses in our country,” Modi said after holding talks with visiting British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Mumbai.

Starmer, on his first visit to India since assuming office, arrived with a 125-member delegation comprising business leaders, entrepreneurs, and university vice-chancellors. The two leaders participated in a high-level meeting focusing on trade, education, and security cooperation.

Modi recalled the signing of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between India and the UK during his visit to Britain in July, describing it as a milestone that would reduce import costs, boost trade, and generate employment for youth.

“The campus of the University of Southampton is already functioning in Gurugram. After discussions with the British delegation, it has been decided to establish campuses of nine more universities, three of which will come up in the International Trade and Technology City in Gujarat,” he said.

The Prime Minister added that India and Britain are “natural allies” with shared democratic values, and their partnership contributes to global stability and economic growth. The two leaders also discussed maritime security in the Indo-Pacific, the situation in West Asia, and ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, reaffirming support for peace through dialogue.

Starmer welcomed the decision, saying it would “make Britain a leading provider of international higher education in India.” He also announced new cooperation in defence training, under which Indian Air Force pilots will train British counterparts in the UK.

“India deserves a rightful place on the UN Security Council, and Britain fully supports that,” Starmer said.