New Delhi, July 31 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his British counterpart Andy Burnham vowed to take the India-UK comprehensive strategic partnership to "new heights" to maximise the benefits of the newly operationalised trade deal during a phone conversation on Friday.

In their first phone call after Burnham became the prime minister on July 20, succeeding Keir Starmer, the two leaders covered key aspects of bilateral ties.

According to a British readout, they also discussed the situation in West Asia and agreed to work closely together towards de-escalation and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

In a social media post, Modi said he congratulated Burnham on assuming the charge of the top office and conveyed his best wishes fo...