This is Starmer’s first visit to India, where he is leading a large trade delegation
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has hailed the newly signed UK-India trade deal as a “launchpad for a stronger partnership” following his first official meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Mumbai.
Starmer, who arrived in India leading the UK’s largest-ever trade delegation of over 100 business and academic leaders, said the deal opens “limitless opportunities” for both countries.
A Trade Partnership Built for the Future
The landmark trade agreement, signed in July, aims to boost collaboration in technology, life sciences, renewable energy, education, and digital innovation. Starmer described it as “the most ambitious trade deal India has ever done” and emphasized its potential to help both nations thrive in a fast-changing global economy.
He told reporters,
“This trade deal is a launchpad to boost British leadership in tech, life sciences, renewable energy, and beyond. The opportunity is clear — just look at the scale of India, the world’s largest democracy on track to become the third-largest economy by 2028.”
Discussions Beyond Trade
During the meeting, both leaders also addressed global concerns, including the Ukraine war, energy security, and climate change. Starmer confirmed that he raised the issue of India’s continued import of Russian oil, saying,
“We discussed the steps each of us is taking to help bring about a peaceful resolution to the conflict.”
Prime Minister Modi, while maintaining ties with Russia, reiterated India’s stance on achieving peace through dialogue and diplomacy.
Education and Cultural Bridges
In another key announcement, Starmer revealed that more UK universities will soon open campuses in India — a move expected to inject £50 million into the UK economy.
The University of Lancaster and the University of Surrey have already received approval, joining others like York, Aberdeen, and Queen’s University Belfast, which plan to open campuses as early as next year.
Starmer added,
“I’m delighted that more Indian students will experience world-class British education, strengthening our ties while supporting jobs at home.”
Digital ID and Innovation Talks
Starmer also met Nandan Nilekani, the founder of India’s Aadhaar digital ID system, to discuss lessons for the UK’s proposed digital identity program. Despite facing public opposition, the UK government insists that a digital ID system will help curb illegal employment.
Economic Impact Already Showing
Even before full implementation, the UK-India trade agreement has resulted in £1 billion of investments and 7,000 new UK jobs.
The deal includes tariff cuts — the UK will reduce import taxes on Indian goods like clothing, footwear, jewelry, and seafood, while India will lower duties on Scotch whisky, cosmetics, medical devices, and luxury cars.
A Warm Welcome in Mumbai
Starmer’s visit received a grand reception, with streets across Mumbai lined with giant banners of him alongside Prime Minister Modi. The display symbolized a shared optimism for a new era of cooperation between two nations linked by history and driven by innovation.
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