Keir Starmer Urges UK Businesses to Capitalise on Landmark Indian Trade Deal
Sir Keir Starmer has called on UK business leaders to seize the moment following the corner trade agreement with India, dismissing the idea that Britain might open new visa routes for professed Indian workers.
The Prime Minister touched down in Mumbai alongside a delegation of 125 business directors, artistic numbers, and university leaders, marking what Downing Street describes as the largest UK trade charge to India ever.
The visit aims to encourage British businesses to leverage the trade deal as a “launchpad for growth,” offering sharply reduced Indian tariffs across multiple sectors.
Speaking to business leaders during the mission, Sir Keir said: “Our job is to make it easier for you to seize the opportunities. On the plane home, I want each of you to tell me what you got out of this trip – a deal, a contact. This is a wonderful opportunity. Let’s go out and seize it.”
Officers are under pressure to apply the agreement, inked in July, “ as soon as humanly possible, ” according to the Prime Minister. Beforehand, suggestions suggest the deal is formally boosting trade between the two nations.
On the topic of visas, Sir Keir firmly rejected calls from some CEOs to expand pathways for skilled Indian workers.
“No, that isn’t part of the plan,” he told reporters. The UK is “here now to take advantage of the free trade agreement that we’ve already struck,” he added.
The trade deal is projected to inject £4.8 billion annually into the UK economy and could collectively boost wages by £2.2 billion.
During his visit, Sir Keir will meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. While the trade deal is central, their conversations are also anticipated to touch on geopolitical issues.
Mr Modi’s close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin could present political challenges, especially as India continues to buy Russian oil despite Western warrants.
When pressed about potential leverage regarding Mr Modi’s relationship with Mr Putin, Sir Keir responded: “Just for the record, I haven’t… sent birthday congratulations to Putin, nor am I going to do so.”
The Prime Minister stressed that the UK would continue targeting Russia’s “shadow fleet” to enforce sanctions and restrict illicit oil and gas sales, describing it as the “most effective way” to increase pressure on Mr Putin.
Mortal rights enterprises are also on the docket. Sir Keir is anticipated to raise the case of Jagtar Singh Johal, a British citizen detained in India for nearly eight years. The UN has described his detention as arbitrary.
Sir Keir’s appearance in Mumbai was met with a vibrant and varied hello. thoroughfares were lined with musicians, hop, and road players, including people dressed as a peacock and a funk.
Billboards and bills featuring his face, along with dispatches similar to “Paving the way for a vibrant new era of India-UK partnership,” adorned the megacity, reflecting India’s trouble to extend a warm welcome.
The PM’s trade mission is seen as a decisive step in strengthening UK-India relations, encouraging British businesses to capitalise on one of the most significant trade agreements in recent years.
