Collaborative Agenda for 2035: Prioritizing Sustainable and Climate-Adaptive Agriculture, Increased Presence of British Universities in India, AI, Technology, Commerce, and Other Areas
The India-UK Vision 2035, a strategic roadmap to deepen bilateral cooperation across various sectors, has been officially endorsed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in July 2025. This comprehensive plan aims to drive inclusive and sustainable growth in both countries.
The Vision 2035 outlines a series of ambitious targets across agriculture, clean energy, trade, technology, education, defense, and global governance.
Trade and Economic Cooperation
The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) is central to the Vision 2035, aiming to significantly increase bilateral trade and create jobs. Oversight for this agreement will be provided by a Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO), with plans to negotiate a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT). The CETA is projected to boost trade by £25.5 billion and increase UK GDP by £4.8 billion.
Technology and Innovation
The technology collaboration under the Vision 2035 will focus on advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), quantum computing, next-generation telecom, semiconductors, critical minerals, biotechnology, space, and 6G. New collaborative platforms like the UK-India AI Centre and the Connectivity Innovation Centre will be established to accelerate innovation and digital inclusion. Support for startups and scalable clean technologies will be provided via the Net Zero Innovation Partnership.
Defense Cooperation
A 10-year defense industrial roadmap will strengthen defense ties, including joint research and manufacturing in jet engine technology, maritime security, and directed energy weapons. The UK will rely on India for logistics support in the Indian Ocean Region. Joint efforts under the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) will establish a Regional Maritime Security Centre of Excellence (RMSCE) to tackle non-traditional maritime security threats.
Agriculture
Agriculture will be integrated within the innovation and biotechnology agenda, promoting sustainable and climate-resilient farming to enhance food security. Initiatives to support rural development and green solutions through shared innovation will also be pursued.
Climate and Clean Energy
Collaboration will mobilize green finance and develop renewable energy sources, including offshore wind, solar, and civil nuclear energy projects. Building joint supply chains in green goods and engagement with multilateral platforms like the International Solar Alliance and Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure are also part of the plan.
Education and Skills
Encouragement for UK universities to establish campuses in India, mutual recognition of qualifications to facilitate cross-border education and employment, and a focus on climate-linked job creation and skill development through a Green Skills Partnership are key components of the education plan.
Global Governance
The Vision 2035 reaffirms commitment to multilateralism and advocacy for reforms in global institutions such as the United Nations, World Trade Organization (WTO), International Monetary Fund (IMF), and World Bank.
The India-UK Vision 2035 represents a forward-looking, multifaceted partnership targeting innovation-led, sustainable growth and strategic security, with clear institutional frameworks and ambitious sectoral targets. Both sides have reaffirmed their support for multilateral reforms and a rules-based global order. The two nations will enhance joint military exercises, boost maritime cooperation, and upgrade security dialogues.
- The technology collaboration under the India-UK Vision 2035 also involves environmental-science aspects, specifically focusing on biotechnology to promote sustainable and climate-resilient farming.
- In addition to the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), both countries are considering negotiating a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) as part of the India-UK Vision 2035 to boost trade and finance.
- Under the education and self-development sector of the India-UK Vision 2035, a Green Skills Partnership has been proposed to focus on climate-linked job creation and skill development in fields such as renewable energy and clean technology.
