UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer Celebrates Diwali in Mumbai During Historic India Visit to Strengthen Trade Relations

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer lit diyas in Mumbai on Wednesday, symbolising the deep cultural ties between India and the United Kingdom as the Diwali festival approaches.

During his visit, Keir Starmer met with business leaders in Mumbai (Representational)

The lighting ceremony was part of Starmer's first official visit to India, marking a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations.

Mumbai extended a warm welcome to the British Prime Minister, as evidenced in a video shared by Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.

Jaiswal posted the clip on X with the caption, "Mumbai gives a special welcome to PM @Keir_Starmer of UK," accompanied by emoji flags representing both nations.

The 39-second video displays large roadside billboards throughout Mumbai featuring photographs of Prime Minister Narendra Modi alongside UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, with "Warm Welcome" messages prominently displayed.

These welcoming banners were visible along Marine Drive and surrounding areas. As the video begins, a subtitle appears stating, "Welcoming PM Keir Starmer of UK to India."

During his Mumbai visit, Starmer engaged with business leaders and emphasized the importance of the India-UK trade partnership.

Speaking at an industry representatives gathering, he noted, "This is the biggest trade mission that the United Kingdom has ever sent to India."

He characterized his visit as the "return leg" following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's trip to the UK earlier in the year.

Starmer highlighted the significance of the Free Trade Agreement signed in July, stating, "It's the biggest deal we've struck since we left the European Union. I think it's also the biggest deal that India has ever struck, so it's hugely important."

The UK-India Free Trade Agreement, formalized in July 2024 during Prime Minister Modi's UK visit, represents a landmark arrangement projected to increase bilateral trade by £25.5 billion annually.

This comprehensive agreement includes significant tariff reductions on goods such as textiles, whisky, and automobiles, enhancing the competitiveness of Indian exports in UK markets and vice versa. The FTA is expected to generate thousands of employment opportunities in both countries, particularly in sectors including textiles, leather, footwear, sports goods, and engineering, while expanding market access.

During an interaction at Mumbai's Taj Mahal Palace, Starmer was observed taking a selfie with a disposable camera, adding a personal touch to the formal trade discussions.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed his British counterpart on social media, expressing optimism about their upcoming meeting.

In his post on X, Modi stated, "Welcome Prime Minister Keir Starmer on your historic first visit to India with the largest ever trade delegation from the UK. Looking forward to our meeting tomorrow for advancing our shared vision of a stronger, mutually prosperous future."

Upon arrival at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai, Starmer received a ceremonial welcome from Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar.

The MEA commented, "A warm welcome to PM Keir Starmer of the United Kingdom! Received by the Governor of Maharashtra and Gujarat, Acharya Devvrat, at the airport. This visit marks a new chapter in our strong and dynamic India-UK partnership."