UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Visit to India: Pushing for a New Era of Trade and Cooperation
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is on an official visit to India this week, aiming to accelerate negotiations on a long-awaited Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and to strengthen the broader economic and strategic partnership between the two nations. His trip marks one of the most significant diplomatic engagements between the UK and India since his government came to power earlier this year.
During his visit, Starmer is scheduled to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, key members of the business community, and senior government officials. The discussions are expected to focus on finalizing the FTA, which has been under negotiation for more than two years. Both sides hope to resolve pending issues related to trade tariffs, market access for goods and services, and investment protections.
The proposed free trade deal is seen as a potential landmark that could boost bilateral trade by billions of pounds annually. India’s growing role as a global economic hub and the UK’s post-Brexit trade diversification strategy make the partnership particularly strategic for both countries. Starmer has expressed optimism about reaching “a fair and forward-looking agreement” that benefits workers, businesses, and consumers in both economies.
In addition to trade, the leaders are also expected to discuss cooperation in green technology, education, and digital innovation. The two countries already share strong ties in science and higher education, with thousands of Indian students studying in British universities and several collaborative research projects underway.
Observers see Starmer’s visit as an effort to reinforce the UK’s global partnerships and showcase a more pragmatic foreign policy approach—one focused on mutual economic growth and long-term stability. For India, deepening ties with the UK aligns with its strategy of expanding trade relationships beyond Asia and enhancing its position in Western markets.
As talks progress, both governments appear committed to translating diplomatic goodwill into tangible economic outcomes. If finalized, the UK-India FTA could become one of the most comprehensive trade partnerships Britain has established since leaving the European Union.