Keir Starmer Confirms No Visa Relaxation for India During Trade Mission
United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer has forcefully ruled out easing visa rules for Indian citizens, emphasising that immigration won’t be part of the UK-India trade docket.
Arriving in India on Tuesday, Starmer led a delegation of over 100 business and artistic leaders, signalling a visit centred on boosting profitable and marketable ties rather than revising migration programs.
Speaking to journalists ahead of high-profile meetings, Starmer stressed the significance of the UK-India trade agreement inked in July.
The pact is designed to make British exports such as buses and Scotch whisky more accessible in India while lowering tariffs on Indian fabrics and jewellery entering the UK market.
“The partnership with India is essential for both our economies,” Starmer said. “We see huge potential in trade, innovation, and education. However, visas are not part of this deal; our focus is on business growth and job creation.”
The Prime Minister added that the UK aims to stimulate domestic profitable growth through increased import openings and attracting Indian investment in priority areas, including green energy, technology, and manufacturing.
Despite the trade deal including visas for Indian professionals on short-term work visas, exempting them from UK social security benefits for three years, Starmer was clear that wider immigration rules won’t change.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, on his India visit, confirms there will be no relaxation of visa rules for Indians. The focus stays on trade, business, and investment, not immigration. #UKIndiaRelations #KeirStarmer #VisaNews pic.twitter.com/7PLa4itGIv
— Daily GK (@DailyGK09) October 8, 2025
“The agreement offers fair and practical benefits to businesses and professionals. But our immigration policy remains consistent with our domestic priorities,” he said.
The Labour government has recently tightened rules on settlement and family reunion visas, reflecting ongoing domestic pressure to control migration levels amid post-Brexit economic challenges and rising living costs.
The India-UK Free Trade Agreement( FTA), inked in July, aims to expand bilateral trade, presently exceeding£ 36 billion annually, by removing import duties and simplifying customs processes.
UK exporters stand to gain from lower tariffs on ministry, automotive factors, and Scotch whisky. Indian businesses will profit from easier access to the UK’s request for medicines, fabrics, and jewellery.
Officers estimate that the FTA could contribute up to£ 3 billion annually to the UK economy while creating thousands of jobs on both sides.
Starmer’s statements punctuate the Labour government’s careful balancing act, strengthening trade links abroad while keeping immigration policy strict at home.
When questioned about opening new visa routes for Indian professionals in tech and exploration, the Prime Minister stressed that the UK remains open to global talent but won’t produce country-specific visas.
“We are open to talent from across the world, including India, but our approach must be fair, managed, and beneficial for our economy,” he stated.
While Indian officers haven’t issued formal commentary, experts note that New Delhi has long pushed for lesser professional mobility as part of trade conversations.
Both sides have agreed to separate trade accommodations from migration issues, ensuring smooth implementation of the FTA.
Starmer’s visit includes meetings with leading Indian business leaders and government officials, with conversations anticipated to concentrate on investment growth, renewable energy collaboration, and educational partnerships rather than visa reforms.
Keir Starmer’s charge to India signals a clear commitment by the Labour government to prioritise profitable engagement and strategic trade while maintaining strict immigration rules.
The recently inked trade agreement is set to enhance request access for both nations, indeed, as professional mobility remains off the table.
