Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated Andy Burnham on becoming the United Kingdom’s Prime Minister, expressing confidence that bilateral ties will continue to strengthen…reports Asian Lite News Desk
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday congratulated Andy Burnham on assuming office as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, saying India and the UK would continue to deepen cooperation across trade, investment, technology, defence and people-to-people ties.
In a post on X, Modi highlighted the longstanding relationship between the two countries and said the recently implemented Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) would provide fresh momentum to bilateral cooperation.
“Warmest congratulations to Mr. Andy Burnham on assuming office as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. India and the UK are bound by shared democratic values and enjoy wide-ranging cooperation across trade, investment, technology, defence and people-to-people relations. 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,” the Prime Minister said.
Burnham assumed office after Keir Starmer formally stepped down as Prime Minister, following Labour Party procedures to appoint a new leader.
The Labour Party confirmed Burnham as its new leader after he secured the backing of 379 Labour Members of Parliament, making him the only candidate to cross the nomination threshold required to contest the leadership.
Speaking at the Trades Union Congress headquarters in central London, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, who chairs Labour’s National Executive Committee, announced Burnham’s appointment, stating that no ballot of party members was required because he was the sole qualifying candidate.
Burnham returned to the House of Commons after winning the Makerfield by-election, the result of which was declared on June 19. Starmer announced his resignation as Labour leader on June 22, saying he would continue serving as Prime Minister until a successor was chosen.
In his first speech as Labour leader, Burnham reflected on his previous work with Starmer in drafting the original Hillsborough law following the second Hillsborough inquest, praising Starmer’s legal expertise.
He also outlined his vision for Britain, arguing that decades of centralisation and privatisation had weakened local communities and increased inequality. Burnham said greater powers should be devolved to towns and regions to help rebuild local economies.
“I will be a leader for the north, the south, the east and the west,” he said.
Burnham takes office after Labour’s landslide general election victory in July 2024 ended 14 years of Conservative rule. However, Starmer’s government later came under criticism over several domestic policy decisions, leading to increased support within the party for Burnham’s leadership bid.
Modi’s message signals India’s intent to maintain close engagement with the new British government as both countries seek to expand cooperation under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and implement the goals outlined in their shared Vision 2035 framework.
