New Delhi/London – UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in India on Monday, leading a large business delegation as part of a push to deepen economic and strategic ties between the two countries. The visit is being closely watched in both capitals as a potential turning point in the ongoing India–UK trade negotiations.
Starmer was received at the airport by senior Indian officials, marking the start of his multi-day visit that includes high-level talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, business roundtables, and cultural engagements. His delegation comprises leaders from finance, technology, manufacturing, and education sectors, reflecting the UK’s strong interest in expanding trade and investment links with India.
Ahead of his arrival, Starmer said the UK was committed to building a “modern, forward-looking partnership” with India. “This visit is about driving growth, creating jobs, and unlocking opportunities for both our nations. India is one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, and the UK wants to be a key partner in that journey,” he said in a statement.
The visit comes at a critical time, as India and the UK continue negotiations over a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that has faced multiple delays. Both governments are under pressure to finalize the deal, which could boost bilateral trade by billions of dollars and create new market access opportunities for businesses on both sides.
Starmer is expected to meet Indian business leaders and policymakers to discuss investment opportunities in sectors such as green energy, digital innovation, pharmaceuticals, and infrastructure. A UK–India CEO forum is also scheduled during the visit, where major announcements and partnerships are anticipated.
Analysts say Starmer’s trip carries both economic and diplomatic weight. As Britain looks to redefine its global role post-Brexit, India has emerged as a crucial partner in its Indo-Pacific strategy. For India, closer ties with the UK offer access to advanced technologies, investment capital, and a stronger foothold in European markets.
The visit is also expected to cover issues beyond trade, including climate cooperation, education partnerships, and geopolitical coordination. Both nations are keen to align on shared concerns such as clean energy transitions, global security, and multilateral reforms.
Starmer’s arrival with such a large business contingent signals a clear intention to give momentum to the bilateral relationship. Whether this visit helps deliver the long-awaited trade deal remains to be seen, but it has already set a tone of optimism and strategic engagement between New Delhi and London.