Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at a cultural event in Mumbai, celebrating the growing India-UK partnership through art and music. The evening featured a special rendition of Ed Sheeran and Arijit Singh’s hit song ‘Sapphire’, symbolizing the deepening cultural ties between the two nations.

Sharing a video of the performance on X, PM Modi wrote, “Wonderful rendition of Ed Sheeran & Arijit Singh’s Sapphire, which is a great example of India-UK cultural partnership…(sic)!”

The song ‘Sapphire’—a collaboration between British pop icon Ed Sheeran and Indian playback star Arijit Singh—blends Western pop rhythms with Punjabi and Indian musical influences, representing a modern fusion of both cultures. Released as part of Sheeran’s album Play, the track has been hailed globally for its emotional depth and cross-cultural appeal.

The event came as part of Starmer’s ongoing visit to India, focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, defence, climate, education, and technology, under the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (Vision 2035 roadmap).

Earlier in the day, the UK Prime Minister visited Yash Raj Studios, where he met Rani Mukerji and YRF CEO Akshaye Widhani. Starmer also announced that Yash Raj Films will shoot three major projects in the United Kingdom starting in early 2026, a move expected to generate over 3,000 jobs and further bolster the British economy through creative collaboration.

The two leaders will continue their talks on expanding bilateral cooperation and advancing joint initiatives in innovation, finance, and culture.