PM Keir Starmer Arrives in Mumbai With 125 Member Trade Mission To Cash On India-UK FTA

Mumbai, Oct 8 (KNN) U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in Mumbai early Wednesday for a two-day visit aimed at boosting trade and investment ties with India.

He is accompanied by a 125-member delegation that includes top CEOs, industry leaders, and representatives from British universities and institutions. The visit follows the signing of a major trade deal between India and the U.K. during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to London in July.

According to Downing Street, the trip is a “two-day trade mission to Mumbai” led by Starmer, Trade Minister Peter Kyle, and Investment Minister Jason Stockwood.

The agenda includes meetings with Indian leaders, bilateral talks on regional and global issues, and participation in the Global Fintech Fest on Thursday.

Starmer described the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) as “a launchpad for growth.” The deal, still awaiting legislative approval in the U.K., will gradually eliminate tariffs on 99 per cent of traded goods.

For India, it covers exports worth around USD 6.5 billion, including textiles, footwear, and automobiles. Meanwhile, the U.K. celebrates tariff cuts on Scotch whisky—from 150 per cent to 40 per cent over the next decade.

The visit also builds on the “Vision 2035” roadmap, which aims to deepen cooperation in trade, technology, education, and climate action. Business figures like Lord Karan Bilimoria expect bilateral trade—currently valued at Euro 44.1 billion (USD 59 billion)—to double in five years.

Starmer’s government faces domestic challenges, including low growth and stricter migration policies. Industry leaders have urged a “balanced migration framework” to keep the U.K. attractive for skilled Indian professionals and investors.

The delegation includes major companies such as Rolls-Royce, Diageo, British Airways, HSBC, Barclays, and BT, signaling renewed momentum in the India-U.K. partnership.

(KNN Bureau)