Keir Starmer Explores India's Digital ID Success for UK Implementation

Keir Starmer has outlined his vision for implementing a smartphone-based digital ID system across the United Kingdom.

The British Prime Minister met with Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani, widely recognized as the architect behind India's successful Unique ID Card program established in 2009. This meeting took place during Starmer's two-day visit to Mumbai, where his spokesman Dave Pares confirmed that the Prime Minister sought Nilekani's expertise as the UK government advances plans for a national identification system.

Starmer has previously expressed his commitment to developing a digital ID system accessible via smartphones, which he believes will address the issue of migrants being attracted to the UK for unauthorized employment. Beyond immigration control, the system could provide British citizens with streamlined access to government services through a unified portal.

This concept, previously considered and rejected in the 2000s, faces opposition across the political spectrum. Critics worry such a system could enable government surveillance of people's movements, facilitate data collection on personal activities, or potentially exclude vulnerable populations.

During his Mumbai visit, Starmer emphasized that the smartphone-based ID would be "mandatory for migrants to demonstrate their work authorization." He suggested the system would benefit citizens too, noting, "I don't know how many times you've had to search for three utility bills when enrolling children in school or applying for various services," referring to current identity verification methods.

Starmer praised India's implementation of digital identification, stating they "have already done ID and made a massive success of it," which prompted his meeting with Indian experts.

The Prime Minister traveled to India with 125 British business and cultural leaders to promote the free trade agreement signed between the two nations in July. Both Starmer and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi are scheduled to deliver keynote addresses at the Global Fintech Fest on Thursday following their bilateral meeting.

When asked if he would discuss India's oil purchases from Russia with Modi, Starmer simply responded, "Our position on Ukraine is very, very clear."

Upon signing the trade deal at Chequers in July, Starmer emphasized the "huge benefits to both countries" through increased wages, improved living standards, and reduced consumer prices. This marks the first such visit by a British Prime Minister since Theresa May's trip shortly after Brexit nine years ago.

During his visit, Starmer has engaged with business leaders and announced deals that will reportedly create nearly 7,000 new jobs, with 64 Indian companies investing £1.3 billion ($1.7 billion) in the UK.

These investments include digital engineering firm Mastek committing £2 million to open an AI and Experience Centre in London and an office in Leeds. Additionally, Hero Motors Company is investing £100 million in UK engineering and design for e-mobility, e-bicycles, and aerospace products.

Earlier in his trip, Starmer visited a new Premier League football community program to meet young Indian football aspirants and toured Yash Raj Films production set, which announced plans to film three Bollywood movies in the UK starting next year.