New Delhi, July 31 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi and newly appointed UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham on Friday agreed to deepen the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and make full use of the opportunities created by the recently operationalised India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) during their first phone conversation since Burnham took office on July 20.

Modi congratulated Burnham on becoming prime minister and wished him success in his new role. In a social media post after the call, Modi said the two leaders agreed to expand cooperation in technology, innovation, defence, security, clean energy, education and people-to-people exchanges.

"We agreed to work together across sectors such as technology, innovation, defence, security, clean energy, education and people-to-people ties and take the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to new heights," Modi said.

He added that both countries would "collaborate closely to fully harness the trade and investment opportunities" offered by the trade agreement for the shared prosperity of their people.

The India-UK trade pact came into force on July 15 after being concluded in July last year following three years of negotiations. It provides zero duty market access for nearly 99 per cent of India's exports to the UK. According to a British government readout, Burnham highlighted the strength of UK-India ties and his intention to build on them through the UK-India Vision 2035 framework and stronger people-to-people links. He also praised the contribution of the Indian community to British society. Modi referred to the historical links between Manchester and Ahmedabad, describing the Gujarat city as the "Manchester of India".

The UK readout said Burnham also reaffirmed his commitment to the UK-India Technology Security Initiative, with both leaders identifying artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies as key areas for future cooperation.

The leaders also discussed the situation in West Asia and agreed to work together towards deescalation and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. They expressed hope of speaking again soon and meeting in person at the earliest opportunity.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.