MUMBAI, Oct. 15 -- The UK hosted a flagship trade and investment reception on HMS Richmond at Mumbai Port on Friday, marking the visit of the UK Carrier Strike Group (CSG) to India. Showcasing how the UK and India's free trade agreement (FTA) can be made cheaper, easier, and quicker, 'Alive with Opportunity: A UK-India Partnership Celebration' also showed ways to unlock new opportunities across sectors. The event followed UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's first official visit to India in Mumbai last week, where he was joined by the UK's largest ever trade delegation to India. UK Minister for Investment Jason Stockwood and Defence Minister Lord Vernon Coaker both attended the event after a day of productive business talks with leading UK and Indian businesses. "I have been inspired by the entrepreneurial energy of the wide range of business leaders, investors, and cultural representatives I've met during my visit, and this is a testament to the strong ties we have forged with our Indian partners as we continue to boost trade as part of our Plan for Change," Stockwood said. The Minister for Investment met with Indian firms, outlining the sector-specific partnerships of the FTA framework, new investment opportunities and technology collaboration. UK Defence Minister Lord Vernon Coaker, who also attended a Defence Capability showcase and met with India's Raksha Rajya Mantri (Minister of State for Defence) Shri Sanjay Seth, said, "We are now entering the era of defence co-production, which will provide mutual benefits to both the countries. The various initiatives demonstrate the growing depth and trust in our relationship, which is even more important to promote peace, security and stability in an increasingly uncertain world." The reception followed the first ever British and Indian Carrier Strike Group joint exercise, Exercise Konkan, which commenced earlier this week. The event was attended by more than 400 leading figures representing government, businesses, investors, and cultural icons, celebrating the strengthening partnership between the UK and India spanning trade, investment and defence cooperation....