What happened: Modi–Burnham phone call on cross-sector cooperation and Strait of Hormuz de-escalation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham spoke by phone. The two leaders agreed to cooperate closely across technology and innovation, defence and security, clean energy, education, and people-to-people links. The call also included technology-security cooperation and de-escalation efforts in the context of the U.S.-Iran war, with agreement to work toward reopening the Strait of Hormuz and condemnation of risks to regional shipping.

Key points from the phone call

The news report records the following discussion points:

- **Cross-sector cooperation:** Modi and Burnham agreed to cooperate closely across technology and innovation, defence and security, clean energy, education, and people-to-people connections. - **Trade execution:** Modi stated that the two sides would fully harness the operationalised **India–UK trade agreement** and take the **strategic partnership** to a higher level. - **UK local community and diaspora links:** Burnham highlighted the relationship’s importance for UK local communities, praised Indian communities in the UK, and referenced links between **Manchester** and **Ahmedabad**. - **Technology Security Initiative focus areas:** Modi and Burnham discussed the **UK–India Technology Security Initiative** launched in **July 2024**, aimed at cooperation in **AI**, **health-tech**, **semiconductors**, **critical minerals**, and related areas. - **De-escalation and Hormuz:** The leaders discussed de-escalation efforts related to the **U.S.-Iran war** and agreed to work together toward reopening the **Strait of Hormuz**. Both sides condemned risks to regional shipping.

Background and earlier position: ongoing India–UK technology-security track since July 2024

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