India's PM Modi Congratulates UK's New Prime Minister Andy Burnham

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Andy Burnham on his new role as the UK's Prime Minister, highlighting the importance of strengthening bilateral ties in trade, investment, and defense. Burnham, who previously served as the Mayor of Greater Manchester, took office following Keir Starmer's resignation. His leadership marks a significant moment for the Labour Party, as he aims to address the challenges faced by various regions in the UK. With the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) now in effect, both nations are poised for enhanced cooperation. This article delves into the implications of Burnham's leadership and the future of India-UK relations.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 21, 2026, 11:59 IST

Modi Extends Congratulations to Andy Burnham

File image of UK's new PM Andy Burnham(Photo: @TheMtBoulevard/X)

New Delhi, July 21: On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his congratulations to Andy Burnham for taking office as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. He emphasized the commitment of both nations to enhance their collaboration in vital sectors such as trade, investment, technology, and defense.

In a message shared on X, PM Modi stated: “I extend my warmest congratulations to Mr. Andy Burnham on his new role as Prime Minister of the UK. India and the UK share democratic values and have extensive cooperation in trade, investment, technology, defense, and people-to-people relations. With the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) coming into effect this month, our bilateral relationship is set to strengthen further.

"I am eager to collaborate closely with you to deepen the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and realize our shared Vision 2035,” PM Modi added.

Earlier on Friday, the Labour Party in Britain confirmed Andy Burnham as its leader.

Burnham, who previously served as the Mayor of Greater Manchester, assumed the Prime Minister's role following Keir Starmer's resignation, which was in line with party protocols.

During an address at the Trades Union Congress headquarters in London, British Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, who chairs Labour's National Executive Committee, announced that Burnham had garnered nominations from 379 Labour lawmakers. As the sole candidate to meet the nomination threshold, he was declared leader without a party member ballot.

Burnham returned to Parliament after winning the Makerfield by-election, with results announced on June 19. Starmer had declared his resignation as Labour leader on June 22, stating he would remain in office until a successor was appointed.

In his speech, Burnham reflected on his collaboration with Keir Starmer nearly a decade ago to draft the original Hillsborough law following the second Hillsborough inquest, utilizing Starmer's legal expertise.

Burnham criticized the political decisions made since the 1980s, claiming they led to increased centralization of power while essential services like housing, water, energy, and transport were privatized.

He argued that these changes have escalated costs, concentrated wealth and power, and left many former industrial towns without the means to revitalize their economies.

"I will be a leader for the north, the south, the east, and the west," he asserted.

After leading the Labour Party to a significant election victory in July 2024, the first in 14 years, Starmer faced backlash regarding his government's policies.

The support for Andy Burnham's leadership within the Labour Party grew following his success in the Makerfield by-election.