Starmer pushes rapid rollout of UK–India trade deal on Mumbai trip

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer began a two-day visit to India, urging swift implementation of a recently signed free trade agreement and telling a large business delegation that he wants the deal operational “as quickly as humanly possible.” The mission includes leaders from major UK firms in energy, manufacturing and telecoms, who were encouraged to seize new opportunities in the Indian market.

The UK and India concluded talks in May and signed the pact in July, cutting tariffs on goods such as textiles, whisky and cars while expanding market access for companies on both sides. Officials say the accord could lift bilateral trade by around £25.5 billion by 2040, with both governments aiming to ratify and bring it into force within the next year.

Starmer, whose administration is focused on reviving growth amid fiscal pressures, framed the deal as central to the UK’s post-Brexit trade strategy. He also signalled a tougher domestic line on immigration but said the current agreement has no visa component. The prime minister is scheduled to hold talks with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Thursday.

Business groups welcomed the growth push while cautioning against additional tax burdens in the upcoming budget, arguing that a stable policy environment is essential for investment. The visit is intended to accelerate early wins from the trade pact while deepening broader ties in technology, education and the energy transition.