India-UK trade deal launchpad for growth, opportunities: British PM Keir Starmer

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Starmer on Thursday. In a post on X, Modi said: “Welcome Prime Minister Keir Starmer on your historic first visit to India with the largest ever trade delegation from the UK. Looking forward to our meeting tomorrow for advancing our shared vision of a stronger, mutually prosperous future.”

“We signed a major trade deal with India in July — the best secured by any country – but the story doesn’t stop there… It’s not just a piece of paper, it’s a launchpad for growth. With India set to be the third biggest economy in the world by 2028, and trade with them about to become quicker and cheaper, the opportunities waiting to be seized are unparalleled,” Starmer said. “That’s why I’ll be flying the flag for British business alongside 125 of our biggest household names in Mumbai this week — because growth in India for them means more choice, stability and jobs at home for the British people,” he said.

A British High Commission statement said growing small and medium enterprises as well as entrepreneurs from every region of the UK were also travelling with Starmer, recognising that the “trade deal will break down barriers and support businesses of all shapes and sizes to trade more easily with India”.

It said the trade deal has been acknowledged as the “best agreement ever secured by any country with India”. Under current projections, it is expected to raise bilateral trade by £25.5 billion per year, with UK exports to India projected to grow by nearly 60 per cent. It significantly improves market access for businesses in both countries, leading to cheaper products and services for consumers.

“The Prime Minister will personally commit to unlocking opportunities for Great British business to grow and expand during his two-day visit — securing investments and sealing deals that directly benefit the British people,” the statement said.

Starmer, who also visited the Yash Raj Films Studio on Wednesday, said three new Bollywood films will be made in the UK from next year. Meanwhile, British Airways announced that it would introduce a third daily flight between Delhi and London Heathrow in 2026. Manchester Airport will also launch a new direct route to Delhi operated by IndiGo, adding to its existing Mumbai service and making it the only UK airport outside London with connections to both cities.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, Starmer and Modi will also attend the India-UK CEO Forum and the Global Fintech Fest on Thursday, besides holding bilateral talks in which fintech, trade and defence are expected to dominate the agenda.

“The Prime Minister will also meet with Prime Minister Modi on Thursday, for talks on strengthening the UK-India relationship even further, including via the Technology Security Initiative originally signed a year ago,” the British statement said.

“In recognition of technology as an engine for growth in the UK and beyond, the two leaders will aim to enhance the UK-India partnership across artificial intelligence, telecom and defence technology — creating new opportunities for businesses to invest and grow, while bolstering our national security,” it said, adding that India is fast becoming one of the world’s most significant technology players, with a tech sector expected to be valued at £1 trillion by 2030.

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