UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer has boasted that his government’s new trade deal with India will deliver an economic boost.
Speaking at a press conference in Mumbai, Starmer described the new trade deal with India as “a huge deal.” He claimed that detractors said that it couldn’t be done, but Labour did it, because his government is “determined to deliver for Britain.”
He noted that he is leading the biggest ever trade delegation to India to “seize the incredible benefits” he claimed the deal offers to the British people. Starmer visited India with a 125-member delegation that includes business, university and culture sector leaders.
Starmer described India as “an economic superpower in the making” and stated that the UK will be a partner, and the trade deal is “a launchpad” to boost British businesses. He boasted that thousands of jobs are being created or secured back in the UK as a result of the deal.
Also, Starmer said that tech, film-making and education are winners from the deal, announcing that three “Bollywood blockbusters” will be made in the UK and two more British universities will be setting up a campus in India.
“This relationship matters more than ever. We are remaking this partnership for our times.”
Keir Starmer
Starmer made these statements after he met his Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi in talks meant to deepen cooperation on trade, defense and technology while promoting a trade deal between the countries.
The talks in India’s financial capital of Mumbai marked Starmer’s first official trip to India since taking office in July 2024. The two-day visit that began Wednesday comes as the Indian government increases efforts to attract global investment for the nation’s rapidly expanding economy.
The Prime Ministers said that today’s meeting focused on pushing forward a trade agreement signed during Modi’s visit to London in July and boosting cooperation in digital infrastructure, technology, defense, critical minerals and education.
The two countries also signed a defense deal that will allow Britain to supply missiles, launchers and electric-powered engines for naval ships to India, the British defense ministry said in a statement.
Modi noted that the countries are natural partners and strengthening the partnership “is an example of stability in an uncertain world.”
He asserted that India-UK partnership is “becoming crucial foundation for global stability and economic progress,” announcing that the countries have reached an agreement on military training cooperation, while nine UK universities plan to open campuses in India.
The trade agreement, which both nations said they aim to implement within the next year, will slash tariffs on products including Scotch whisky, English gin shipped to India, and Indian food and spices sent to the UK.
The British government said in a statement that the deal would raise bilateral trade by a further $34 billion and increase exports to India by nearly 60%.
Modi and Starmer also shared views on Indo-Pacific stability and discussed the war in Ukraine and developments in Gaza.
Starmer Welcomes Gaza Ceasefire Deal
Moreover, Starmer joined many other senior political figures in the UK welcoming the prospect of a ceasefire deal in Gaza.
He said that it was a significant moment and praised the contribution of US President, Donald Trump in securing a deal, although when asked the UK Prime Minister stopped short of recommending Trump for the Nobel Peace prize.
Starmer reiterated his earlier statement welcoming the potential of a deal in Gaza, and said it must be implemented “in full and without delay.” He said, “I will take the opportunity to put on record my thanks to Donald Trump, Qatar, Egypt and Turkey.”
He stressed that it will be a relief to the world, and that the UK stands ready to work with partners. “It is a really important step that has been reached here and I strongly welcome it,” he added.
