Mumbai/London [India/UK], October 8 (ANI): British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, currently on his first official visit to India, has described the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as “hugely important” and the biggest trade deal the United Kingdom has secured since leaving the European Union.
Speaking at an interaction with business leaders in Mumbai on Wednesday, Starmer said, “This is the biggest trade mission that the United Kingdom has ever sent to India. The FTA is the biggest deal we’ve struck since we left the European Union — and I think it’s also the biggest deal that India has ever struck, so it’s hugely important.”
The India-UK FTA, signed in July 2024 during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the UK, is a landmark agreement projected to boost bilateral trade by £25.5 billion annually. The deal includes major tariff reductions on goods such as textiles, whisky, and automobiles, aiming to strengthen economic ties between the world’s fifth- and sixth-largest economies.
Under the agreement, the UK will offer 99.1% of tariff lines with 100% trade value, mostly at zero duty upon implementation. Indian exporters are expected to gain greater access to the UK market, while British exporters will benefit from reduced Indian tariffs — with average tariffs on UK goods dropping from 15% to 3%.
The FTA is expected to create thousands of jobs in both countries, especially across sectors such as textiles, leather, footwear, sports goods, and engineering, while also doubling bilateral trade by 2030.
Largest-ever UK trade mission to India
Starmer’s visit marks a new chapter in India-UK relations, accompanied by the largest-ever UK government trade delegation — a 125-member group comprising CEOs, entrepreneurs, university vice-chancellors, and leaders of major cultural institutions.
According to an official statement, the delegation includes household names such as Rolls Royce, British Telecom, Diageo, the London Stock Exchange, and British Airways. The mission aims to strengthen partnerships, expand market access, and explore fresh opportunities in India’s fast-growing economy.
“The trade deal has been acknowledged as the best agreement ever secured by any country with India,” the statement noted. “Under current projections, UK exports to India are expected to grow by nearly 60%, leading to cheaper products and services for consumers in both countries.”
Prime Minister Starmer added, “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, the opportunities waiting to be seized are unparalleled.”
Expanding cooperation in business, education, and culture
The trade mission also emphasizes cooperation in education and culture. Fourteen UK university vice-chancellors are part of the delegation, recognizing India’s growing demand for higher education — with an estimated 70 million new university places needed by 2035. This opens significant opportunities for UK institutions to establish partnerships and campuses in India.
Cultural collaboration is another major focus, with representatives from the British Film Institute, National Theatre, and other creative institutions exploring opportunities for co-productions, heritage partnerships, and talent exchange in film, fashion, sports, and digital culture.
Boost to connectivity and economic momentum
British Airways announced plans to introduce a third daily flight between Delhi and London Heathrow in 2026, subject to approval, as part of efforts to meet growing travel demand between the two nations. “The FTA will boost economic momentum between our two countries, and British Airways sits at the center of that activity,” said CEO Sean Doyle.
Additionally, Manchester Airport will soon launch a new direct route to Delhi operated by IndiGo, complementing its existing Mumbai service. This expansion is projected to generate over £50 million in annual exports, £25 million in tourism revenue, and 450 new jobs, enhancing trade and research collaboration.
Warm welcome in India
Upon arrival at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, PM Starmer was received by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and Deputy CMs Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended a warm welcome on social media, posting on X:
“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.”
In a lighter moment during his Mumbai engagements, Starmer was also seen taking a selfie with a disposable camera alongside business leaders at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel — a gesture symbolizing goodwill and optimism for this new phase in the India-UK strategic and economic partnership. (ANI)
758 words, 4 minutes read time.
About The Author
