British Prime Minister Andy Burnham (AP)
According to forecasts from strategic experts, the India-UK partnership will remain in a strong position under incoming British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who was elected leader of the Labor Party the same week that the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between the two countries came into force.Burnham, 56, was elected unopposed on Friday and is set to take over from Keir Starmer on Monday following the formal transfer of power. While Burnham has promised to chart a different domestic course, experts say Britain’s approach to India is expected to remain largely unchanged.India’s Consul General in Manchester Vishakha Yaduvanshi said Burnham has consistently supported stronger ties between India and northern England.“Over the past year, we have valued close engagement with the authorities of Greater Manchester, particularly Mr Andy Burnham, whose energy and warm support has greatly helped in strengthening India-North-England relations,” he told PTI.Yaduvanshi said Burnham’s 2019 visit to India, her meeting with former Indian High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami in December 2025 and her virtual participation in the India-North England Opportunities Summit in March 2026 reflect her long-term commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.Burnham has previously described India as a key partner in Greater Manchester’s international strategy. He said after his visit to India, “India is a key market in Greater Manchester’s internationalization strategy because it presents significant opportunities for the city-region, but these opportunities are reciprocal, and Greater Manchester is also helping India with its economic development plans.”They identified digital technology, engineering, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, education, tourism, sports and cultural cooperation as priority areas for cooperation.Rajesh Aggarwal, president of Labor Friends of India (LFIN), said Burnham has built strong ties with India through trade, education and connectivity.Agarwal said, “Andy understands that growth comes from long-term relationships. If you look at his own track record in Manchester, he has worked to strengthen ties with India through businesses, universities, innovation and improving connectivity with direct flights between India and Manchester.”He said Burnham’s emphasis on devolution of powers to regional governments could also create new opportunities for cooperation with Indian states.The 1928 Institute, a British Indian think tank, said Burnham would inherit a strong bilateral relationship, but suggested creating an India task force or appointing an India trade envoy to maintain momentum.“From an India policy and diaspora perspective, Andy Burnham will inherit a strong foundation. However, his attention is likely to be drawn in multiple directions, especially given the domestic focus of his agenda,” said Dr Nikita Ved, president of the institute.Lord Karan Bilimoria, founder of Cobra Beer and co-chair of the India All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG), expressed confidence that Burnham will continue to prioritize India.“We need to double our trade, from around £50 billion today to £100 billion by 2030… “I am very confident about the bright future for Britain and India from now on,” Bilimoria said.“I think the next step [for India-UK ties] The trade agreement will be about converting investment, exports, jobs, research partnerships and opportunities for small companies in both countries, said Udaya Nagaraju, a tech entrepreneur and Labor colleague.(With inputs from PTI)