Keir Starmer is embarking on his inaugural official trip to India today following the signing of a significant trade agreement with Narendra Modi. Accompanying the Prime Minister in Mumbai are more than 100 UK chief executive officers and university vice chancellors, aiming to strengthen connections with India. The deal, valued at £6 billion in investments for the UK economy, marks a new phase in the shared history of the two nations, as stated by PM Modi, who characterized it as a blueprint for mutual prosperity.
Starmer emphasized the deal’s economic importance, comparing it to the impact of Brexit. Once ratified, the agreement will lead to a reduction in tariffs on key UK exports like whisky and gin, with tariffs on these products expected to drop from 150% to 75%, and average tariffs decreasing from 15% to three percent. The pact comes three years after former PM Boris Johnson’s failed attempts to secure a post-Brexit deal with India.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs announced that Modi and Starmer will also attend the Global Fintech conference in Mumbai. This visit is seen as a continuation of the positive outcomes from PM Modi’s trip to the UK in July 2025, aiming to reaffirm the shared vision of India and the United Kingdom for a progressive partnership. However, Starmer may face inquiries regarding India’s acquisition of Russian oil amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Last month, former US President Donald Trump imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods, including a 25% penalty for dealings with Russia.