MUMBAI (Maharashtra): British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Wednesday met leading Indian business figures in Mumbai, underscoring the growing significance of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signed earlier this year. Calling the pact “really important,” Starmer emphasised that it represents the largest trade deal the United Kingdom has struck since leaving the European Union, and also one of the most significant agreements India has ever finalised.

“Biggest deal since Brexit”

Addressing industry leaders during an interaction at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Starmer said, “This is the biggest trade mission that the United Kingdom has ever sent to India. It’s the biggest deal we’ve struck since we left the European Union. I think it’s also the biggest deal that India has ever struck, so it’s hugely important.”

The UK prime minister noted that his visit marked the “return leg” following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s trip to the UK earlier this year. Starmer stressed that the FTA stands as a symbol of a “modern, forward-looking partnership” between two of the world’s fastest-growing economies.

The visit comes as part of the UK’s post-Brexit strategy to strengthen bilateral trade ties beyond Europe. The India-UK partnership, Starmer said, was “really important” in diversifying trade and investment opportunities while building a more resilient global supply chain.

A landmark agreement for both nations

Signed in July 2024, the India-UK Free Trade Agreement marked a major milestone in the two countries’ economic relationship. Valued at an estimated £25.5 billion annually, the pact is expected to double bilateral trade by 2030.

The deal includes significant tariff reductions on key goods such as textiles, whisky, and automobiles, benefiting both Indian exporters and British manufacturers. Under the agreement, the UK has offered 99.1% of tariff lines with 100% trade value, most of which will have zero duty upon enforcement.

This move is expected to create thousands of new jobs in both countries, particularly across industries like textiles, leather, footwear, sports goods, and engineering. Economists say the FTA could substantially enhance India’s export competitiveness in the UK while opening new investment opportunities for British firms in India.

Strengthening economic diplomacy

Starmer’s visit to India, his first official trip as Prime Minister, has been described by both governments as “historic.” He arrived at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai, where he was received by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar.

In a light-hearted moment, Starmer was seen taking a selfie with a disposable camera during his interaction with business leaders — a gesture that drew smiles from attendees and showcased his approachable demeanour.

The visit also reflects the UK’s growing engagement with India as part of its broader Indo-Pacific outreach. With the FTA already in place, both nations are expected to explore new avenues in technology collaboration, climate cooperation, and education partnerships.

Modi welcomes Starmer to India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended a warm welcome to his British counterpart. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Modi wrote, “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.”

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also described the visit as a “new chapter in our strong and dynamic India-UK partnership.”

A vision for the future

Experts see the India-UK FTA as a cornerstone of both nations’ future economic strategy. For India, it provides a gateway to greater access in the UK market and enhanced investor confidence. For Britain, it represents a critical diversification effort in the post-Brexit era, lessening dependence on EU trade.

Starmer’s comments in Mumbai reinforced this long-term vision. As he put it, “This partnership is not just about trade figures — it’s about innovation, sustainability, and a shared belief in progress.”

With the groundwork laid by the FTA, both nations are poised to enter a new phase of economic collaboration — one defined by opportunity, mutual benefit, and strategic alignment.