British PM Keir Starmer India Visit: Trade, immigration and much more… What’s on the agenda?
British PM Keir Starmer India Visit: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in Mumbai on Wednesday for a two-day visit to India. This two-day visit will discuss all aspects of the bilateral partnership, including trade, investment, and technology ties between India and the UK.
The summit meeting may also discuss the potential extradition of fugitives like Vijay Mallya and Nirav Modi.
A large delegation of over 100 business leaders, university vice-chancellors, and cultural leaders is accompanying the British PM to India. It is reported that the summit meeting may also discuss the potential extradition of fugitives like Vijay Mallya and Nirav Modi.
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FTA will remove 90% of tariffs
The British PM's visit is taking place at the invitation of PM Modi, where both will review the progress of the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which is based on a 10-year roadmap under 'Vision 2035', set out in July with the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA). This agreement, known as the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), will remove tariffs on more than 90% of goods after approval by the British Parliament.
A warm welcome to PM @Keir_Starmer of the United Kingdom! Received by Governor of Maharashtra and Gujarat Mr. Acharya Devvrat @maha_governor at the airport.
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) October 8, 2025
This is PM Starmer’s first visit to India. This visit marks a new chapter in our strong & dynamic India-UK partnership.… pic.twitter.com/TShzoykM6l
'India to become the third largest economy'
Upon arrival in India, the British PM said, "We signed a major trade agreement with India in July, the most secure agreement ever signed by any country, but the story doesn't end there. We will build on it. India is set to become the world's third largest economy by 2028, and our trade with it will become faster and cheaper. There is no alternative to seizing these opportunities."
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He said that this week, he will raise the flag of British business in Mumbai with 125 of our biggest household names, because for him, growth in India means more choice, opportunity, and jobs for the British people at home.
Will the extradition of Mallya and Nirav Modi be discussed?
According to reports, the potential extradition of fugitives like Vijay Mallya and Nirav Modi is likely to be discussed at the India-UK summit. Recently, India has given UK authorities renewed assurances to expedite Nirav Modi's extradition.
Will Address the Global Fintech Fest
During this highly anticipated visit, Starmer and Modi will attend and address the sixth edition of the Global Fintech Fest in Mumbai, highlighting the India-UK Technology Security Initiative (TSI) concluded last year, which aims to enhance bilateral cooperation in critical and emerging technologies such as telecommunications, AI, quantum computing, biotechnology, and critical minerals.
Starmer's visit will also focus on the India-UK Technology Security Initiative (TSI), which aims to promote cooperation in areas such as telecom, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and biotechnology.
Richard Heald, part of the delegation accompanying the Prime Minister, said, "The British PM's visit to India is a significant moment in the development of our bilateral relationship, which is based on shared prosperity and mutual respect."
Chairman of the UK India Business Council said, "The UK-India Corridor is one of the most promising economic relationships globally, and we look forward to supporting its continued growth based on innovation, opportunity, and mutual ambition."
Over 100 business leaders accompanying him
A delegation of over 100 business leaders, university vice-chancellors, and cultural leaders is accompanying the British Prime Minister on his visit to India, reflecting the mission's objective of promoting trade and investment, technology, and education ties.
Karan Bilimoria, President of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) UK, said, "I am delighted to have such a large PM delegation after almost nine years. It sends a clear message that the UK is serious about trade with India."
Jyoti Vij, Director General of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, said Starmer's visit comes at a pivotal moment when the promise of CETA can be translated into concrete business outcomes.
She said, "We hope this partnership will open up new opportunities in advanced manufacturing, green finance, digital innovation, and the mobility of skilled professionals—creating a future-ready partnership that will support growth, stability, and shared prosperity in both economies."
Trade worth 44.1 billion pounds
According to the latest figures from the UK Department for Trade and Commerce (DBT), total trade in goods and services between India and the UK is now estimated to be around 44.1 billion pounds.
Summary
The trade agreement signed during Modi's visit to the UK on July 24 is expected to significantly increase these figures and aims to at least double bilateral trade by 2030.
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