Modern history documents the island of Bombay (now Mumbai) transited from Portuguese rule to the British monarchy in 1661. But very few are aware that it had been ruled by various kingdoms since ancient times. Chronologically the Mauryans, Satavahanas, Western Kshatrapas, Vakatakas, Kalachuris & Early Chalukyas, Silaharas, Yadavas, the Delhi Sultanate, Bahamani and the Gujrat Sultanate ruled the island of Bombay, followed by the European domination of Portuguese and British rule. Till the Portuguese ruled the 7 islands of Bombay, it was inhabited by the indigenous fishing and farming community of Kolis (Fisher folks) Agris (cultivators) Kunbis (Salt-pan owners) and Bhandaris (coconut farmers, toddy tappers and military seafarers). Later, it is in 1661, King John IV of Portugal gifted the island of Bombay as dowry to King Charles II, who married his daughter Catherine of Braganza. The British acquisition of the 7 islands of Bombay, proved to be a strategic turning point in the destiny of Bombay, as it gave geographical, cultural, historical, administrative and commercial impetus to the land, which over the years came to be known as the financial capital of independent India- Mumbai.
As the British colonial rule ended in 1947, the last unit of British naval troops left the shores of Bombay through the Gateway of India. Fast forward to India’s 78th year of independence this year, when 8th and 9thOctober 2025 witnessed the meeting of British Prime Minister Mr. Kier Starmer and the Indian Prime Minister, Mr. Narendra Modi at none another place than in Mumbai! The British premier was on a two-day official visit to the ‘maximum city’ as part of a high-level UK trade and diplomatic mission. Starmer, accompanied by a 125 member U.K business, academia and cultural delegation, aimed to explore possibilities to expand U.K-India trade and financial investment opportunities that would mutually help both nations.
The meetings between the high officials of both countries resulted in approval of U.K universities, namely University of Surrey, Aberdeen, Bristol, Coventry, Imperial College London and Queen’s University, to set up their India campus in times to come. This will give international exposure to Indian students and at the same time will keep them closer to their roots. The universities on the other hand can contribute to U.K economy through the education sector.
Another major agenda for the British delegation was to attend the Global Fintech Fest that was held at Jio World Centre, Mumbai. Investments in fintech and digital finance were the central themes of the expo as these sectors show promising growth in times to come. The round table meetings between the business leaders of both nations concluded on a positive note, which hopefully should soon reflect in the economies of both nations.
National and industrial security of every country is of utmost importance. Both Prime Ministers put forth their need for defence and commercial security. It was agreed that UK would be supplying lightweight multiple missiles produced by Thales to India. United Kingdom also looks forward to collaborating with India on naval and engineering security partnership.
On the cultural front, Mr. Kier Starmer along with the delegates visited Bollywood production house and recording studio of Yash Raj Films. He took keen interest in understanding the production process of a well-made Bollywood cinema. In recent years, Bollywood movies, have shown the potentials of earning more than Rs. 100 crore per film which equals to more than 1 crore British pounds. Yash Raj Films, established by Late Mr. Yash Chopra has been conducting film shoots in U.K, due to which U.K locations have extensively featured in Bollywood films. By next year 3 Bollywood movies will be made in the U.K, thus creating 3000 jobs for the creative industry across United Kingdom. The visiting cultural delegation made film production business deals with Yash Raj Films, which they believe would boost the cultural and economic landscapes of both nations.
Yet another highlighting feature of British Premier’s Mumbai visit was to experience the culinary culture of India. South Mumbai’s ‘Khyber’ restaurant at Kala Ghoda (stones throw away from Gateway of India monument), was the proud host of the visiting guests. Prime Minister Starmer, along with 40 delegates enjoyed authentic Indian cuisines that reflected the flavours of India and the Indian sub-continent, particularly Mughlai style dishes. As reported by the restaurant, the dinner menu served to the guest included Paneer Tikka Masala, Chicken Kagani, Dal Makhani, Reshmi Broccoli, Chicken Reshmi Kabab and Chicken Rara to name a few. Most of these dishes are available in Indian restaurants in the U.K but getting a first-hand culinary experience in a Mumbai based restaurant, that reflects the cultural ambiance of the ‘Khyber Valley’, (which once was a major trade and commerce corridor that connected the Silk Route to India in ancient times), symbolises the trade mission’s goodwill that’s intended between the two nations.
Since ancient times, Mumbai has been a silent witness to the ebb and flow of all the dynastic & colonial rulers that governed its territory. It was during the British colonial rule Mumbai flourished as a booming business hub. But as the 2-day tour of British Prime Minister concluded, Mumbai achieved a full circle as it was the proud host of the U.K delegation, to collaborate and grow together and make the best of India’s booming economy!
Photo Courtesy: Shraddha C Sankulkar, @khyberrestaurant.in (Instagram) www.yashrajfilms.com
