British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has lauded the UK-India trade deal as a “launchpad” for deeper bilateral ties following a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Mumbai. The two leaders held discussions to bolster business and trade links, months after they signed the landmark agreement in July. Sir Keir, who described the trade deal as “huge” for the UK and “the most ambitious trade deal India has ever done,” sees the pact as a catalyst for British leadership across sectors like technology, life sciences, and renewable energy, leveraging India’s position as the world’s largest democracy on track to become the third-largest economy by 2028. His two-day visit to India’s financial hub was accompanied by the UK’s largest-ever trade delegation, comprising over 100 CEOs, entrepreneurs, and academic leaders, underscoring the serious commitment to expanding the commercial relationship. Follow republicpolicy.com
The discussions between the two prime ministers also covered complex geopolitical issues, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, given India’s continued purchase of Russian fossil fuels. Sir Keir confirmed that he raised the issue of India buying Russian oil with Modi, stating they reviewed the respective steps each nation is taking toward a resolution of the conflict. He also emphasized the shared need for “a just and lasting peace in Ukraine,” greater stability and security in the Indo-Pacific, and cooperation on critical areas such as climate change and reducing dependency on fossil fuels. Additionally, the British Prime Minister brought up the case of Jagtar Singh Johal, a British Sikh activist detained in an Indian prison for seven years without conviction. Follow republicpolicy.com
The visit also focused on educational and digital cooperation. Sir Keir announced the approval for more UK universities, including the University of Lancaster and the University of Surrey, to open new campuses in India. This move is projected to deliver a £50m boost to the UK economy and strengthen cultural ties. Furthermore, the Prime Minister met with Nandan Nilekani, the founder of India’s digital ID system, amid controversial plans to introduce a compulsory digital ID for proving the right to work in the UK—a government initiative aimed at curbing illegal migration despite significant public opposition. The UK government maintains that the yet-to-be-implemented trade deal has already resulted in £1bn of investment and created almost 7,000 jobs in the UK, signaling the potential for massive economic benefits once fully enacted. Follow republicpolicy.com
