In a significant moment for global financial collaboration, United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer has arrived in Mumbai to attend the Global Fintech Fest 2025, marking a new phase in India–UK economic relations. The visit comes as part of an effort to advance the Vision 2035 partnership roadmap—an ambitious bilateral framework aimed at fostering deeper cooperation across trade, digital finance, and innovation.
The Global Fintech Fest (GFF), one of the world’s largest fintech conferences, serves as a premier platform for global leaders, policymakers, and industry innovators to discuss the future of financial technology. India’s rapid digital transformation, powered by initiatives like UPI and Aadhaar-enabled payment systems, has positioned the country as a global fintech leader. Against this backdrop, the presence of Prime Minister Starmer signals the UK’s commitment to expanding collaboration in the rapidly evolving fintech sector.
Strengthening India–UK Bilateral Relations
India and the United Kingdom have shared a long-standing economic relationship, which has evolved significantly in recent years with the growth of digital and financial innovation. The Vision 2035 roadmap between the two nations aims to enhance cooperation on trade, innovation, technology transfer, and sustainable development. During his visit, Prime Minister Starmer is expected to engage in high-level discussions with Indian government officials, business leaders, and fintech entrepreneurs to identify new opportunities for joint investment and innovation.
According to official sources, the bilateral talks in Mumbai will prioritize digital payments interoperability, cross-border financial infrastructure, financial inclusion, and cybersecurity collaboration. Both nations see fintech as a strategic pillar for economic growth and inclusive development. The dialogues will also explore ways to harmonize regulatory standards, making it easier for fintech startups from both nations to operate in each other’s markets.
The Vision 2035 Partnership Roadmap
The Vision 2035 roadmap was conceptualized to serve as a long-term strategic framework for India–UK relations. It emphasizes sustainable economic growth through science, innovation, and technology-driven partnerships. The roadmap outlines key cooperation areas including climate finance, green technology, artificial intelligence, and digital public infrastructure — all of which tie closely into the growing fintech ecosystem.
At the Global Fintech Fest, both countries are expected to announce initiatives promoting sustainable finance and digital inclusion. The UK delegation, led by Prime Minister Starmer, is joined by senior officials from the UK Treasury, major financial institutions, and fintech startups. They are expected to hold joint sessions with India’s finance ministry, NITI Aayog, and leading Indian fintech associations.
Global Fintech Fest 2025: A Platform for Collaboration
The Global Fintech Fest (GFF 2025), organized by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), the Payment Council of India (PCI), and the Fintech Convergence Council (FCC), has brought together delegates from over 100 countries. The event highlights innovation in payments, lending, insurance, regtech, and sustainable finance.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s participation has amplified the global significance of this year’s summit. His attendance reflects the UK’s recognition of India’s leadership in the fintech domain, especially its success in promoting financial inclusion through technology.
In his expected address at the event, Starmer is likely to underscore the shared objectives of India and the UK in fostering a transparent, digitized, and inclusive global financial ecosystem. He is also anticipated to highlight the prospects of UK-India collaboration in regulatory technology (regtech), anti-money laundering systems, and cross-border digital identity verification.
Expanding Economic and Investment Ties
The economic relationship between India and the United Kingdom has deepened remarkably in the last decade. Bilateral trade currently stands at over £36 billion, with fintech emerging as one of the fastest-growing sectors contributing to this partnership. Several British fintech firms, including Revolut, Wise, and Monzo, have shown interest in entering or expanding within the Indian market, while Indian startups like Razorpay, Pine Labs, and Paytm are exploring cross-border opportunities in the UK.
The partnership discussions under Vision 2035 also aim to facilitate venture capital exchange, startup incubation programs, and joint skill development initiatives. The two nations are expected to collaborate on innovation hubs that will empower fintech entrepreneurs to pilot and scale technologies addressing financial inclusion challenges.
Focus on Sustainable and Inclusive Growth
Both India and the UK are focusing on the ethical and sustainable growth of fintech. Discussions during the Global Fintech Fest will emphasize leveraging financial technology to support green financing and climate transition goals. The UK’s expertise in climate finance and India’s track record in digital inclusion are expected to converge in new initiatives promoting sustainable economic development.
Experts believe that cooperation under Vision 2035 could serve as a model for global partnerships in the digital era, combining India’s scale and innovation capacity with the UK’s financial services expertise. The outcome of this visit is likely to yield tangible frameworks for investment, technology exchange, and talent collaboration, further cementing the India–UK alliance for the next decade.
Looking Ahead
The Mumbai visit by Prime Minister Keir Starmer is a pivotal moment in the India–UK partnership. As both nations navigate a rapidly changing global financial landscape, their shared commitment to innovation and inclusion will play a crucial role in shaping the future of fintech.
