London [UK], July 24 (ANI): United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday described the UK-India Free Trade Agreement as the biggest and most significant trade deal the UK has signed since leaving the European Union.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Starmer expressed gratitude for Modi’s leadership and pragmatism.
“We both know this is the biggest and the most significant trade deal that the UK has made since leaving the EU. I think I can say this is the most comprehensive deal that India has ever done. So thank you, Prime Minister, for your leadership and your pragmatism. I’d like to thank everybody who has worked so hard to get this deal over the line,” Starmer said.
He added that the deal is set to boost wages, improve living standards across the UK, and reduce tariffs on Indian goods.
“This is a deal that brings huge benefits to both of our countries—boosting wages, raising living standards, and putting more money in the pockets of working people. It’s good for jobs, it’s good for business—cutting tariffs, making trade cheaper, quicker, and easier. It’s good for British workers, for cutting-edge manufacturing, for whisky distillers across Scotland, and for the service sector in London, Manchester, and Leeds,” he said.
Starmer also highlighted the benefits to UK consumers, noting that the agreement will reduce prices on Indian goods in UK markets.
“It is good for consumers because it will bring down prices on Indian goods in the UK—on clothes, shoes, and food. It will deliver long-term benefits. It will add about £4.8 billion to the UK economy every year, £2.2 billion to wages, and hundreds of millions of pounds to regions and nations across the United Kingdom,” he said.
He further emphasized that the world has entered a new global era that demands proactive engagement rather than passive observation.
“We have entered a new global era that requires us to step up, not to stand aside—to deliver for the British people by building deeper partnerships and alliances. Today is very much confirmation of that approach,” he added.
Earlier, Starmer referred to the FTA as a landmark deal, stating that it would create thousands of British jobs.
In a post on X, he wrote, “A landmark deal with India means jobs, investment and growth here in the UK. It creates thousands of British jobs, unlocks new opportunities for businesses, and puts money in the pockets of working people. That’s our Plan for Change in action.”
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