UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer Leads Historic Trade Mission to India Following Landmark Free Trade Agreement

Prime Minister Keir Starmer delivered an address to the trade delegation via the aircraft's intercom system from the cockpit.

London:

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in Mumbai on Wednesday accompanied by a delegation exceeding 100 British representatives from business, academia, and cultural sectors, as the United Kingdom aims to strengthen commercial ties with India following the recent signing of a comprehensive free trade agreement (FTA). Upon boarding the aircraft for his two-day visit to India, Starmer communicated with his fellow travelers from the cockpit, expressing his intention to fully capitalize on the historic trade agreement between the two nations.

"This is your Prime Minister. I'm in the cockpit, and a very warm welcome to BA flight 9100 to Mumbai. It's really fantastic to have you all on board," Starmer announced over the intercom in a moment he later shared on his Instagram account.

According to the British leader, the 125-member delegation traveling with him, comprising some of the UK's leading business executives, entrepreneurs, and university administrators, represents the "biggest trade mission to India that the UK has ever sent".

"So, I'm looking forward to working with you as we explore all the opportunities and take full advantage of all the opportunities in our new free trade agreement," he enthusiastically added.

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This India visit is considered a significant initiative for Starmer toward ensuring British companies can access the advantages provided by the trade agreement, which eliminates tariffs on more than 90 percent of UK exports.

India and the UK finalized the agreement in July after three years of rigorous negotiations. At that time, Starmer emphasized that the FTA would deliver "huge benefits to both of our countries" by enhancing wages, improving living standards, and reducing prices for consumers.

The agreement signifies a strong endorsement of free trade principles by two of the world's major economies, even as US President Donald Trump pursues more protectionist trade policies in the United States.