UK PM Keir Starmer's Strategic India Visit: Strengthening Trade Ties and Economic Partnership

The UK Prime Minister will conclude his India visit on Thursday evening.

Mumbai:

United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer touched down in Mumbai on Wednesday, commencing a significant two-day diplomatic mission following the recent landmark free trade agreement (FTA) between India and the UK. The British delegation accompanying Starmer consists of 125 members, including prominent business leaders such as British Airways CEO Sean Doyle.

During this strategic visit, Starmer is scheduled to meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and jointly address a fintech conference in Mumbai. This diplomatic engagement occurs amid shifting global trade dynamics, particularly as both nations navigate their economic relationships with the United States in light of President Donald Trump's tariff policies.

Key Highlights of Starmer's Visit

Upon his arrival in Mumbai Wednesday morning, Starmer received a formal welcome from Maharashtra and Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, along with other high-ranking state officials, were also present at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport to greet the British Prime Minister.

Foreign Minister S Jaishankar is expected to meet with Starmer for discussions later in the evening.

The second day of Starmer's visit features a scheduled meeting with PM Modi at Mumbai's Raj Bhavan at 10:00 am, according to the Foreign Ministry. The two leaders will review progress across the comprehensive strategic partnership between India and the UK, focusing on "Vision 2035" – the 10-year roadmap established alongside the July FTA to strengthen key aspects of bilateral relations.

Following their meeting, both prime ministers will participate in the CEO Forum and the 6th Global Fintech Fest. These events provide a platform for engagement with business leaders regarding opportunities presented by the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, which forms a central pillar of future economic cooperation between the nations.

The leaders will also exchange perspectives on regional and global matters while engaging with industry experts, policymakers, and innovators.

Starmer's departure from India is scheduled for 11:30 pm on Thursday.

Strategic Importance of the Visit

India and Britain represent the world's fifth and sixth-largest economies respectively, with bilateral trade valued at approximately $54.8 billion and investments supporting over 600,000 jobs across both countries.

"With India set to become the third largest economy globally by 2028, and trade between our nations poised to become more efficient and cost-effective, the potential opportunities are unprecedented," Starmer stated.

According to India's foreign ministry, the visit "will provide a valuable opportunity to reaffirm the shared vision of India and the United Kingdom to build a forward-looking partnership."

Under the newly established agreement, India will reduce tariffs on British imports including whisky, cosmetics, and medical devices, while Britain will lower duties on clothing, footwear, and food products such as frozen prawns from India. However, Starmer has ruled out expanding visa access for Indian professionals despite industry pressure.

"That isn't part of the plan... We're here to capitalize on the free trade agreement we've already established. We need to implement it," he told reporters while en route to Mumbai.