Strategists expect the strength of the India-UK partnership to continue on its trajectory under the leadership of incoming British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who clinched the leadership of the Labor Party in the same week that the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) came into effect.
Burnham (56 years old) was elected by acclamation on Friday and will assume his duties as successor to Keir Starmer in Downing Street on Monday after the formal arrangements for the handover of power are completed.
Although much is expected to change, given the former Mayor of Greater Manchester’s pledge to do things differently, the one major constant on foreign policy is expected to be on the Indian front.
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“Over the past year, we have appreciated the close engagement with the Greater Manchester authorities, especially Mr Andy Burnham, whose energy and warm support have contributed much to strengthening relations between India and the north of England,” Vishaka Yaduvanshi, Consul General of India in Manchester, told PTI.
As the first head of India’s new diplomatic mission in the UK, Yaduvanshi views the opening of the consulate in March last year as a “historic moment” that highlights the huge potential of the north of England – “its industries, its academia, its sporting spirit” – within the India-UK relationship.
“for him [Burnham’s] 2019 visit to India and meeting with former Indian High Commissioner [Vikram Doraiswami] In December 2025, and his virtual participation in the India-Northern England Opportunities Summit [March 2026] “It reflects a long-term commitment to this partnership,” she said.
Burnham spoke of “fond memories” of his visit to Mumbai, Bengaluru and Delhi seven years ago, coordinated by the Manchester India Partnership (MIP) – an organization set up for companies and universities to engage with India.
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“India is a key market in Greater Manchester’s internationalization strategy because it offers significant opportunities for the city region, but these opportunities are mutual, and Greater Manchester is also helping India with its economic growth plans,” he said at the time.
He highlighted “digital technology, engineering, advanced manufacturing, healthcare and academia” as well as “opportunities for tourism, sports and cultural cooperation” as some of the sectors that will be focused on.
“Andy understands that growth comes from long-term relationships. If you look at his own track record in Manchester, he has worked to strengthen links with India through businesses, universities, innovation and improve connectivity through a direct India-Manchester flight,” said Rajesh Agrawal, Chairman of the Friends of Labor in India (LFIN) diaspora group.
Having worked closely with Burnham during his previous stint as Labour’s Deputy Mayor of London, Indore-born Agrawal feels the next Prime Minister’s devolution agenda will find synergy in India’s federal set-up.
“He is a big fan of devolution and empowerment of different regions, and India of course is a federal structure with many states. So, I also see him interacting more with regional governments,” he added.
Rahul Roy Chowdhury, senior fellow for South Asia at the London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), expects “continuity” in the India-UK relationship as it “has not been better in over a decade” with successive prime ministerial visits last year and the CETA agreement coming into force on Wednesday.
“The new Prime Minister Andy Burnham has an opportunity to deepen these improved India-UK relations, implement the prosperity agenda and ensure historic gains in bilateral defense and strategic cooperation with India, which is looking to diversify its defense ties while modernizing the capabilities of its armed forces and boosting defense manufacturing for export to the world,” Roy Chowdhury said.
The India-British think tank, 1928 Institute, echoed the sentiments of progress but called for proactive measures to maintain the momentum built by the outgoing Prime Minister and his team.
“From an Indian policy and diaspora perspective, Andy Burnham will inherit a strong foundation. But his attention will likely be pulled in many directions, especially given the domestic focus on his agenda.
“It would therefore be prudent to establish an India task force and/or appoint a trade envoy for India, to maintain the current momentum,” said Institute President Dr Nikita Vaid.
Lord Karan Bilimoria, founder of Cobra Bear and co-chair of India’s All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG), expressed confidence that Burnham will continue to “prioritize India” and hopes that the political instability that has brought the UK the seventh Prime Minister in 10 years will make way for some stability.
“Stability for at least the next three years until the next general election, so that companies in the UK and India can invest in their countries…which will create jobs on both sides,” Bilimoria said.
“We need to double our trade, from around £50 billion today to £100 billion by 2030… I am very confident of a very bright future for the UK and India going forward,” he said.
Tech entrepreneur Uday Nagaraju, one of Britain’s new Labor Party peers in the House of Lords, said the next British prime minister “inherits an exceptionally strong bilateral scenario” and is expected to maintain “the same strategic direction” with India.
“It will also be combined with Andy Burnham’s distinctive focus, based on his work in Manchester on regional growth, skills, infrastructure and bringing government and business together.
“I think that’s the next stage [for India-UK ties] “It will be about transforming the trade agreement into investment, exports, jobs, research partnerships and opportunities for small businesses in both countries,” Nagaraju said.
