UK India trade mission Starmer leads record delegation to India

UK India trade mission aims to boost business ties as PM Starmer leads 125-strong delegation, promoting trade, investment, and cultural collaboration. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has arrived in India, leading a 125-strong delegation of business leaders, CEOs, and university heads in what is being described as Britain’s largest-ever trade mission to India. The visit, spanning two days in Mumbai, aims to strengthen trade relations and seize new opportunities under the recently signed UK-India trade deal.

A Landmark Trade Mission

The mission comes at a critical time as both the UK and India work to reshape their trade dynamics in the face of global economic pressures. With the United States imposing higher tariffs on Indian goods, the UK sees this as a chance to deepen its economic partnership with India.

Starmer emphasized that the visit is not just symbolic:

“We signed a major trade deal with India in July – the best secured by any country – and now we are turning that agreement into tangible growth. With India projected to become the world’s third-largest economy by 2028, the opportunities are immense.”

Strengthening Bilateral Relations

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Starmer’s visit, expressing optimism about the partnership:

“We look forward to building a shared vision for a stronger, mutually prosperous future.”

Trade between the two nations currently stands at $54.8 billion, supporting over 600,000 jobs across both countries. The new trade deal is expected to increase the UK’s GDP by £4.8 billion annually and boost exports to India by nearly 60%.

Tariff Reductions and New Opportunities

Under the agreement, India will reduce tariffs on key British exports such as whisky, cosmetics, and medical devices. In return, the UK will cut duties on Indian goods, including clothing, footwear, and food products like frozen prawns.

Starmer highlighted that the deal is already producing results, encouraging the delegation to capitalize on rising trade opportunities.

Cultural and Sports Diplomacy

The Prime Minister also explored cultural and sports ties. At the Yash Raj Film studio in Mumbai, Starmer announced that three Bollywood films will be produced in the UK next year, bringing jobs, investment, and global exposure to British locations.

Additionally, he visited an English Premier League community program, meeting aspiring young Indian footballers and coaches, underscoring the growing popularity of British football in India.

Delegation Highlights

The trade mission includes prominent figures such as:

• Sean Doyle, CEO of British Airways
• Murray Auchincloss, CEO of BP
• Wouter van Wersch, EVP International for Airbus
• Vice chancellors from 14 leading UK universities

The delegation’s aim is to explore new sectors for collaboration, including technology, energy, higher education, and creative industries.

A Strategic Economic Vision

This trade mission reflects the UK government’s strategic vision to strengthen economic and cultural ties with India. By combining trade, investment, and cultural diplomacy, the UK hopes to secure long-term growth, create jobs, and enhance bilateral relations in a rapidly changing global economy.

Starmer’s India visit signals a bold step in positioning the UK as a key partner in India’s economic rise, ensuring that both countries reap the benefits of closer collaboration.