Keir Starmer’s India Trade Mission Marks a Turning Point in UK–India Economic Relations
United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s India trade mission — the UK’s biggest-ever government trade delegation — arrived in Mumbai on Wednesday. The visit aims to accelerate implementation of the India–UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and strengthen broader economic cooperation between the two nations.
Starmer’s visit — his inaugural official visit to India as Prime Minister. The visit reflects London’s desire to enhance trade and investment relations with New Delhi as India’s economic ascendance continues. The British 125-strong delegation of senior business and academic leaders comprises members from Rolls-Royce, British Telecom, Diageo, the London Stock Exchange Group, British Airways, and leading universities.
Talks Focus on FTA Rollout
India’s Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal sat down with UK Trade Minister Peter Kyle in Mumbai to discuss the way forward in implementing the trade agreement.
Both nations agreed to reorient the Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) to facilitate the implementation of the FTA and have results-oriented execution, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry in India stated.
“The meeting represented an important milestone towards operationalizing the India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA),” said the ministry. “Both ministers reiterated their commitment to ensure expeditious, harmonized, and outcome-based implementation of the agreement.” https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/comprehensive-economic-and-trade-agreement-between-the-united-kingdom-of-great-britain-and-northern-ireland-and-india
Tariff Cuts and Market Access
The FTA will drastically cut tariffs on British imports into India — from an average of 15% to 3% when it takes full effect. India, on the other hand, will enjoy duty-free importation of almost 99% of tariff lines, representing almost all the value of the bilateral trade.
The UK government called it “the best agreement ever secured by any country with India,” projecting an annual £4.8 billion boost to UK GDP and a £25.5 billion rise in bilateral trade. British exports to India are forecast to increase by nearly 60%, while whisky producers are among the biggest winners — tariffs will drop immediately from 150% to 75%, and further to 40% over the next decade.
A Launchpad for Growth,’ Says Starmer
“With India on course to become the world’s third-largest economy by 2028, and trade becoming cheaper and faster, the potential to seize is unmatched,” Starmer stated.
“Indian growth means additional jobs and opportunities in the UK at home for the British people.”
A UK Prime Minister’s Office statement said that the mission features “big household names and up-and-coming entrepreneurs” who want to increase their footprint in India’s burgeoning market. The delegation indicates the UK’s effort to make its trade ties more international after Brexit.
Modi Calls Visit ‘Historic
Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted Starmer on social media site X, terming the visit “historic.”
“Welcome Prime Minister Keir Starmer on your historic first visit to India with the biggest ever trade delegation from the UK. Looking forward to taking our shared vision of a more powerful, mutually prosperous future forward,” Modi wrote.
The two heads are likely to meet in New Delhi to finalise investment, technology, and innovation partnerships and a road map for taking the economic engagement deeper under the new trading architecture.
Private Sector and CEO Forum
On the margins of the visit, India–UK CEO Forum met in Mumbai, gathering business leaders from both countries to discuss new areas of collaboration in investment, innovation, and sustainable growth. Talks also centered on improving resilient supply chains in the face of global economic volatility.
As per Rubix Data Sciences, the UK is India’s fourth-largest export market, with 3.3% of India’s total exports. The nation is the 21st largest import partner of India, with around 1% of total imports, a number likely to increase with the new trade pact.
Strengthening a Strategic Partnership
Starmer’s visit marks a new chapter in the India–UK relationship — one anchored in mutual economic ambition and shared global outlook. As India’s growth story accelerates, British businesses see vast potential across sectors from education and aviation to technology and premium goods.
“We’re not here just to celebrate a deal,” Starmer said. “We’re here to make it work — for our businesses, our people, and our future.”
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