As Andy Burnham Takes Office Today, What’s Next For India-UK Ties?

Published 20 July 2026 · europe

As Andy Burnham Takes Office Today, What’s Next For India-UK Ties? Published By, Last Updated: July 20, 2026, 10:21 IST Burnham is set to become

As Andy Burnham Takes Office Today, What’s Next For India-UK Ties? Published By, Last Updated: July 20, 2026, 10:21 IST Burnham is set to become Britain’s seventh prime minister in a decade, inheriting a strengthened relationship with India and a new trade pact already in force. Rapid Read Andy Burnham will take office as Britain’s new prime minister on Monday. (Reuters) Andy Burnham will take office as Britain’s new prime minister on Monday, inheriting an India-UK relationship that experts believe is likely to retain its current strategic direction while expanding into new areas of regional, economic and defence cooperation. The former mayor of Greater Manchester was elected unopposed as Labour Party leader on Friday after securing the backing of 379 of the party’s 403 lawmakers in the House of Commons. He will succeed Keir Starmer and become the UK’s seventh prime minister since 2016. Burnham’s elevation comes days after the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, or CETA, entered into force. While Burnham has promised a different approach to domestic politics, strategic experts expect continuity in relations with India, backed by his own record of engagement with the country during his tenure in Greater Manchester. Why India-UK Ties Are Likely To Stay On Course Rahul Roy-Chaudhury, Senior Fellow for South Asia at the London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies, told PTI that the relationship was likely to see “continuity" because it “has not been better in over a decade". The two countries witnessed back-to-back prime ministerial visits last year, followed by the entry into force of CETA last week. “New PM Andy Burnham has an opportunity to deepen these improved India-UK ties, deliver on the prosperity agenda and ensure a landmark dividend on bilateral defence and strategic cooperation with India, which looks to diversify its defence relationships while modernising its armed forces capability and boosting defence manufacturing in order to export to the world," Roy-Chaudhury said. Burnham has also indicated that he will retain parts of Starmer’s policy legacy. In his first speech as Labour leader, he said he would “build on the foundation laid" by his predecessor. According to AP, Burnham is expected to say in his first speech as prime minister that he is “acutely aware" of the number of leadership changes Britain has witnessed over the past decade and will pledge to restore stability.

Manchester Record Could Shape His India Policy Burnham’s tenure as mayor of Greater Manchester provides some indication of how he may approach India. During his time in office, he backed stronger links with India through businesses, universities, innovation networks and regional partnerships. “Over this past year, we have valued close engagement with the Greater Manchester authorities, particularly Mr Andy Burnham, whose energy and warm support has done much to strengthen India-North-England ties," Vishakha Yaduvanshi, the Consul General of India in Manchester, told PTI. India opened its new consulate in Manchester in March last year. Yaduvanshi described it as a “landmark moment" that highlighted the potential of the north of England, including “its industries, academia and sporting ethos", within the wider bilateral relationship. Burnham visited India in 2019, travelling to Mumbai, Bengaluru and Delhi. He later met then Indian high commissioner Vikram Doraiswami in December 2025 and participated virtually in the India-North England Opportunity Summit in March 2026. During the India visit, he identified digital technology, engineering, advanced manufacturing, healthcare and academia as areas of cooperation. He also highlighted opportunities in tourism, sport and cultural collaboration. More Focus On Indian States And British Regions Burnham’s support for greater devolution in the UK could also lead to deeper engagement with Indian state governments. Rajesh Agrawal, chair of Labour Friends of India, said Burnham had consistently focused on building long-term economic relationships. “Andy understands that growth comes from longer-term relationships. If you look at his own track record in Manchester, he’s worked to strengthen links with India through businesses, universities, innovation and improving connectivity with a direct flight between India and Manchester," Agrawal told PTI. Agrawal, who worked with Burnham during his earlier tenure as Labour’s deputy mayor of London, said his devolution agenda could align well with India’s federal system. “He’s a big fan of devolution and empowering different regions, and India is of course a federal structure with many states. So, I also see him engaging more with regional governments," he said. This could result in more partnerships between Indian states and British cities or regions in technology, education, manufacturing, healthcare and infrastructure. Turning The Trade Deal Into Concrete Gains The immediate test for the Burnham government will be the implementation of CETA and whether it can translate the agreement into investment, exports and jobs.