Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has firmly stated that Britain will not ease visa requirements for Indian nationals, despite leading a major trade delegation to the country aimed at strengthening economic ties.
The prime minister arrived in India with over 100 business leaders, cultural figures, and university heads in what represents the UK’s largest-ever trade mission to the country. The visit comes on the heels of a landmark trade agreement signed in July after extensive negotiations.
Focus on Trade, Not Immigration
During his visit, Sir Keir emphasized the “massive opportunities” available through enhanced trade and cultural partnerships with India. However, he made clear that expanding visa access for Indian workers or students is not under consideration.
Speaking to journalists in Mumbai, the prime minister noted that visa issues had not been raised by any business leaders during his meetings. He stressed that the purpose of the visit was to help Indian companies capitalize on the new trade agreement.
The deal promises to reduce costs for UK exports of cars and whisky to India, while making Indian textiles and jewelry more affordable in Britain. It includes a limited three-year exemption from social security contributions for Indian employees on short-term UK work visas, but government officials emphasized this does not signal any broader immigration policy shifts.
Labour’s Immigration Stance
The comments reflect the Labour government’s commitment to reducing immigration levels. The party recently announced stricter policies on settlement status at its conference.
Sir Keir repeatedly stated that visa arrangements “played no part” in the trade negotiations and remain unchanged. When questioned about potentially attracting tech entrepreneurs following President Donald Trump’s modifications to US H-1B visas, he said Britain seeks “top talent” globally but has no plans for new visa pathways specifically for India.
Economic and Cultural Gains
The trip yielded several announcements beyond the trade agreement. Yash Raj Films revealed it will produce three Bollywood movies in the UK starting in 2026, marking the end of an eight-year absence. Downing Street projects this will create 3,000 jobs and inject millions into the British economy.
Akshaye Widhani, chief executive of Yash Raj Films, praised the UK’s “unmatched” infrastructure, technology, and talent, saying the country “holds a very special place in our hearts.”
British Airways also announced plans for a third daily flight between Delhi and Heathrow next year, while Manchester Airport unveiled a new direct Delhi route.
Diplomatic Agenda
Sir Keir is scheduled to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the two-day visit. Ahead of the meeting, Sir Keir said he would not follow Modi’s example of sending birthday greetings to Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating plainly: “I haven’t sent birthday congratulations to Putin, nor am I going to do so.”
When asked if he would challenge Modi on India’s purchases of Russian oil, the prime minister said Britain’s priority is tackling Russia’s “shadow fleet” of unregulated oil tankers, noting the UK has been a leading country on this issue.
Sir Keir also indicated he would raise the case of Jagtar Singh Johal, a British Sikh man who has been imprisoned in India for seven years without conviction, saying the UK “always raise consular cases on every level.”
The prime minister described the UK-India relationship as being at “an all-time high” as he led what he called the “single biggest delegation trade mission ever to come to India.”RetryClaude can make mistakes. Please double-check responses.
