Sir Keir Starmer has characterized the UK-India trade agreement as a foundation for deepening bilateral relations following his discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Mumbai.
The leaders convened to explore opportunities for expanding commercial and trade connections after finalizing a significant trade agreement in July.
During his two-day visit to India’s commercial hub, Sir Keir led Britain’s most substantial trade mission ever, comprising over 100 chief executives, business founders, university leaders, and cultural representatives.
The prime ministers also addressed the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, particularly India’s continued purchases of Russian fossil fuels, which provide financial support to Vladimir Putin’s military operations.
Sir Keir characterized the agreement as “transformative” for Britain and “India’s most ambitious trade arrangement to date.”
At a media briefing, he stated: “This agreement serves as a foundation to enhance British excellence across sectors including technology, life sciences, renewable energy, and numerous other fields. The potential is evident when considering India’s magnitude – the world’s most populous democracy, projected to rank as the planet’s third-largest economy by 2028.”
During their discussions, the PM noted they addressed “achieving an equitable and sustainable resolution in Ukraine, maintaining stability and security throughout the Indo-Pacific region, and advancing cooperation on crucial matters such as climate action and energy transitions, including reducing reliance on fossil fuels.”
When questioned about whether he broached India’s Russian oil purchases, Sir Keir informed reporters: “Indeed, we addressed that matter this morning with President Modi, and we each outlined the measures we’re implementing to facilitate a resolution to the conflict.”
Modi has characterized himself as an ally of Putin, though he has indicated his preference for resolving the Ukraine situation through “dialogue and diplomatic means.”
Sir Keir also mentioned raising concerns about Jagtar Singh Johal, a British Sikh advocate who has remained detained in an Indian facility for seven years without being convicted.
Upon reaching India, the prime minister received an enthusiastic reception, with numerous oversized photographs of him and Modi displayed throughout Mumbai’s streets.
On Thursday, Sir Keir revealed that additional UK universities would establish facilities in India, which officials indicated would generate £50 million for the economy.
Announcing that Lancaster University and the University of Surrey had received authorization for new facilities, he remarked: “I’m pleased that more Indian students will soon access exceptional British education – reinforcing connections between our nations while generating millions for our economy and creating employment opportunities domestically.”
Britain maintains an expanding presence of international facilities in India, with York University, the University of Aberdeen, and Queen’s University Belfast among institutions planning to launch facilities starting next year.
During his initial day, Sir Keir met with Nandan Nilekani, creator of India’s digital identification infrastructure, amid plans to implement a digital ID system for UK workers.
The government’s proposal to mandate digital identification for employment verification in the UK has attracted over 2.8 million petition signatures opposing the concept. However, Downing Street remains committed to the initiative, asserting it will restrict unauthorized migrant employment.
Officials state the pending UK-India trade agreement has already generated £1 billion in investment and created nearly 7,000 UK positions.
The agreement includes UK reductions on import duties for Indian goods such as apparel, footwear, jewelry, and frozen seafood, while India will lower tariffs on British products including Scotch whisky, cosmetics, medical equipment, and premium automobiles.
