India-UK ties expected to stay the course with Andy Burnham as new PM: Reports

The India-UK partnership is expected to maintain its strong trajectory under the leadership of incoming British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, even as he prepares to take office. Burnham, who secured the Labour Party leadership, is set to succeed Keir Starmer, with strategic experts forecasting continuity in foreign policy, particularly concerning India.

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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.

Burnham has previously spoken of "fond memories" from his visits to Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Delhi seven years ago, an initiative coordinated by the Manchester India Partnership. His commitment to strengthening ties was further evidenced by his participation in the India-North England Opportunity Summit in March 2026 and meetings with Indian officials. Vishakha Yaduvanshi, the Consul General of India in Manchester, highlighted Burnham's "energy and warm support" in bolstering India-North England connections.

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His [Burnham's] 2019 visit to India, meeting with the former Indian high commissioner [Vikram Doraiswami] in December 2025, and his virtual participation in the India-North England Opportunity Summit [March 2026] reflect a longstanding commitment to this partnership.

The Consulate's opening in March last year was described as a "landmark moment" by Yaduvanshi, underscoring the significant potential within the north of England for engagement with India across industries, academia, and sports. Burnham's focus on sectors like digital technology, engineering, advanced manufacturing, and healthcare, alongside tourism, sport, and cultural collaboration, indicates a strategic approach to mutual growth.

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India is a key market in Greater Manchester's internationalisation strategy as it presents significant opportunities to the city-region, but these opportunities are mutual, and Greater Manchester is also helping India with its own economic growth plans.

Rajesh Agrawal, chair of the Labour Friends of India (LFIN) diaspora group, noted Burnham's understanding that "growth comes from longer-term relationships." He pointed to Burnham's track record in Manchester, which includes strengthening links through business, university partnerships, innovation, and improving direct connectivity between India and Manchester, as a testament to his dedication to the bilateral relationship.

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Andy understands that growth comes from longer-term relationships.