UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer Calls India–UK Free Trade Deal a Major Milestone

New Delhi, October 8 British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has called the India–UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) “hugely important” and described it as the biggest trade deal the United Kingdom has signed since leaving the European Union. Speaking to business leaders during an interaction in Mumbai on Wednesday, Starmer said the agreement marks a new era of economic partnership between the two countries. “This is the biggest trade mission that the United Kingdom has ever sent to India,” Starmer said, noting that his visit represents the “return leg” after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the UK earlier this year. The British Prime Minister highlighted that the FTA reflects the UK’s new ability to shape its own global trade strategy post-Brexit, with India playing a central role in that vision. The Free Trade Agreement between India and the UK, signed in July 2024 during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to London, is designed to significantly boost bilateral trade and economic cooperation. The deal aims to increase trade between the two nations by £25.5 billion each year, creating new opportunities for exporters, investors, and workers in both countries. The FTA provides major tariff reductions across a wide range of goods, including textiles, whisky, and automobiles. This will make products more affordable, improve competitiveness, and encourage greater trade volumes. The United Kingdom has committed to offering duty-free access on 99.1% of its tariff lines, covering nearly all trade value from the start of the agreement. Officials estimate that the deal will create thousands of new jobs across several industries such as textiles, leather, footwear, engineering, and sports goods. It will also help both countries diversify their markets and strengthen their positions in the global economy. The trade pact is also expected to double bilateral trade by 2030 and deepen cooperation in sectors like technology, services, and innovation. Both nations have expressed optimism that the agreement will go beyond trade to promote stronger people-to-people connections, academic partnerships, and sustainable investments. Starmer emphasized that the agreement reflects a shared commitment to growth and collaboration. He also highlighted the potential for the deal to serve as a model for future global trade relationships. “It’s the biggest deal we’ve struck since we left the European Union. I think it’s also the biggest deal that India has ever struck, so it’s hugely important,” he said. During his visit to Mumbai, Starmer met with top Indian business leaders at the Taj Mahal Palace hotel. The event included a mix of formal discussions and lighter moments, as the Prime Minister took a selfie with a disposable camera to capture what he described as a “historic day” for India–UK relations. The India–UK FTA marks a significant step in the growing partnership between the world’s fifth- and sixth-largest economies, paving the way for greater economic resilience, innovation, and mutual prosperity. UK PM Keir Starmer on India–UK Trade Deal UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the India–UK Free Trade Agreement “hugely important” and the biggest deal the UK has signed since leaving the European Union. Speaking in Mumbai, Starmer said the agreement will boost trade by £25.5 billion annually and create new opportunities across industries like textiles, leather, and automobiles. The pact offers duty-free access on most tariff lines and aims to double trade by 2030. Starmer added that the deal marks a new era of partnership between the two nations, strengthening economic, innovation, and investment ties.