Starmer's visit: A launchpad for growth

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has come to India with the largest ever trade delegation, comprising 125 CEOs. His bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi has led to the signing of new investments, which would create many jobs. “Our partnership with India is delivering for British people,” said Starmer, adding that the deal with India meant more investment in the UK. “As many as 10,000 new jobs have been created and £1.3 billion of investment brought back into the UK. We are backing British jobs and British business. Thousands of new jobs have been created across the country – which means more money for you and your family.”

The motorcade that led Starmer from the airport to Mumbai city passed through 5,700 posters welcoming him. Streets were closed to the common man, with musicians and dancers performing all along the path. It may be recalled that, earlier this year, India and the UK signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Now, Starmer wants it implemented as soon as possible.

The FTA aims to reduce tariffs on goods ranging from textiles to whisky, cars, and spices, while allowing for increased market access for businesses. The stated goal of the agreement is to boost trade by an additional £25.5 billion ($34 billion) by 2040. “It (FTA) is not just a piece of paper; it’s a launchpad for growth,” added Starmer. “With India set to be the third biggest economy in the world by 2028 and trading with it likely to become quicker and cheaper, the opportunities waiting to be seized are unparalleled”.

Largest trade delegation

India and the UK have strengthened their defence and trade partnerships. On 9 October 2025, the two prime ministers signed agreements furthering the Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA) and a £350 million contract for the UK to supply missiles to India.

“In the 43 hours that PM Starmer was in Mumbai, over £1 billion of new investments and over 10,000 new jobs were initiated, thanks to the UK’s largest ever trade delegation to India,” said Lindy Cameron, British High Commissioner to India. “PM Starmer’s visit to India was a testament to the UK-India relationship. And what a welcome!”

“It was a delight to welcome my friend, PM Keir Starmer, at the Raj Bhavan in Mumbai,” enthused Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “This being his first visit to India, it was surely a special occasion. The presence of the largest business delegation to India makes it even more special and illustrates the strong potential of India-UK ties”.

Meanwhile, Starmer has hailed India’s mammoth digital ID system (Aadhar) as a massive success. Britain has recently announced a digital ID for its citizens and wants to mandate it by 2029. The British PM also held a meeting with Nandan Nilekani, co-founder & chair, Infosys, who heads the government body that delivered the ID database more than a decade ago.