Keir Starmer is embarking on his inaugural trip to India today following the recent signing of a significant trade agreement with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Accompanied by a delegation of over 100 UK business leaders and university heads, the UK Prime Minister will visit Mumbai to strengthen the relationship between the two countries. Starmer and Modi concluded the £6 billion trade pact during their meeting at Chequers, Buckinghamshire, in July.
Modi expressed optimism about the deal, emphasizing that it marks a new era in the shared history of India and the UK, enhancing economic ties and prosperity. Starmer hailed the agreement as the most impactful economically since Brexit, highlighting the substantial tariff reductions it will bring for key British exports like whisky and gin.
This trade deal comes after several unsuccessful attempts by former Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his successors Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak to secure a post-Brexit agreement with India.
During their visit, Modi and Starmer will participate in the Global Fintech conference in Mumbai, aiming to build on the positive momentum from Modi’s visit to the UK in July 2025. The trip is expected to reaffirm the mutual commitment of India and the United Kingdom to foster a forward-looking partnership.
However, Starmer may face inquiries regarding India’s procurement of Russian oil amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Recent actions by former US President Donald Trump imposing tariffs on India for its dealings with Russia have raised concerns in this regard.