British Prime Minister Keir Starmer struck a chord with the audience at the Global Fintech Fest in Mumbai as he kicked off his address with a heartfelt Hindi greeting, saying, “Namaskar Mumbai, Mujhe yaha
aakar bahot khushi hui” (Hello Mumbai, I am very happy to be here.)
Starmer further said that it’s wonderful to be here with all the innovators and industry leaders.
“I hope that was roughly right, but look it’s fantastic to be here with all of you and with Prime Minister Modi and just to see the room as vibrant and energetic as this is fantastic. India’s financial and economic capital, Namaskar,” Starmer was quoted as saying by news agency ANI at the Global Fintech Fest held at the Jio World Centre in Mumbai.
#WATCH | Maharashtra: “Mujhe yahan aa kar bahut Khushi hui, ” says United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer as he begins his address at the Global Fintech Fest at Jio World Centre in Mumbai
(Source: DD) pic.twitter.com/qkYkywgpHq
— ANI (@ANI) October 9, 2025
Starmer’s Hindi remark drew warm applause from the packed auditorium, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was seated on the stage.
Starmer further said that the UK and India are natural partners in fintech. “I want UK to be number 1 choice for investment in finance & fintech,” he said.
Hailing the India-UK FTA, Starmer thanked PM Modi for “his partnership”, labelling it as a “huge win” for both nations, and a “huge statement about shared belief.”
Further, PM Modi spoke about “digital democratisation” and said that today’s India is one of the most “technologically inclusive”.
“India is witnessing 20 billion transactions worth Rs 25 lakh crore through UPI every month. As the mother of democracy, India has witnessed democratisation of technology in the last decade and, now, it is one of the most technologically inclusive societies,” PM Modi said.
Global Fintech Fest 2025
The Global Fintech Fest 2025 (GFF) is the world’s leading fintech conference, jointly organised by the Payments Council of India (PCI), the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), and the Fintech Convergence Council (FCC).
The 6th edition of GFF, being held from October 7-9, 2025, at the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai, is themed “Empowering Finance for a Better World – Powered by AI.”
GFF brings together global fintech innovators, regulators, banks, investors, and policymakers from over 100 countries. The event features keynote addresses, panel discussions, startup showcases, and innovation zones, creating a vibrant ecosystem for thought leadership, collaboration, and product launches.
Starmer’s Visit To India
The British PM is on a two-day visit to India. He is accompanied by a delegation of 125 of the UK’s most prominent business leaders, entrepreneurs, and educationists. They landed in Mumbai on Wednesday morning for a two-day visit.
Today, both leaders held bilateral talks which primarily focused on enhancing India-UK ties in areas such as trade, defence, security, and critical technology.
(With inputs from agencies)
