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United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in India on October 8, 2025, leading one of Britain’s largest-ever delegations, declaring that his visit is aimed at “turbocharging” economic ties.

The two-day visit, which began in Mumbai, brings together 125 senior British figures, including CEOs, entrepreneurs, and university vice-chancellors, to deepen trade between the world’s fifth- and sixth-largest economies. The visit follows the landmark UK-India trade agreement signed in July, which both sides say will expand market access and create jobs.

The UK and India are seeking to strengthen economic cooperation in the wake of tariff challenges triggered by U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration. Washington recently imposed a 50 percent tariff on Indian goods over New Delhi’s continued energy trade with Russia, while British exports also face new duties, though at lower levels.

Announcing the trip, Starmer said the mission aimed to build on the “major trade deal” reached earlier this year. “We signed a major trade deal with India in July, the best secured by any country, but the story doesn’t stop there,” he said. “It’s not just a piece of paper, it’s a launchpad for growth.”

Welcome Prime Minister Keir Starmer on your historic first visit to India with the largest ever trade delegation from the UK. Looking forward to our meeting tomorrow for advancing our shared vision of a stronger, mutually prosperous future. @Keir_Starmer pic.twitter.com/Sv29sZ6dzj

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 8, 2025

Under the new agreement, India will reduce tariffs on British products such as whisky, cosmetics, and medical devices, while the UK will lower duties on Indian exports, including textiles, footwear, and frozen prawns. The UK government projects the deals could add $6.4 billion annually to Britain’s GDP and boost exports to India by nearly 60 percent.

Visa Policy Off the Table

Despite the trade momentum, Starmer made clear that immigration would not be part of the talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Speaking to reporters en route to Mumbai, Starmer said, “That isn’t part of the plans. The visit is to take advantage of the free trade agreement that we’ve already struck. Businesses are taking advantage of that. But the issue is not about visas.”

He added that visa discussions had complicated earlier negotiations, and his government would maintain a restrictive stance as part of efforts to control immigration levels. “No business leaders I’ve met have raised with me the question of visas,” Starmer said, emphasizing that the focus was on expanding opportunities for investment and innovation under the new trade framework.

The Labor government has faced pressure to tighten migration rules, particularly as Starmer’s party trails the populist Reform UK party in opinion polls. Last week, the government announced tougher policies on settlement status.

Asked whether Britain would consider easing entry for Indian tech professionals following recent hikes in U.S. H-1B visa fees, Starmer said the UK still sought to attract “top talent” globally but reiterated that there were no plans to open new visa routes for India.

He also said he would examine the possibility of linking visa issuance to “returns agreements”, arrangements for the deportation of foreign nationals, though he stressed it was a “non-issue” with India, as both countries already have such an understanding in place.

Business and Cultural Links Deepen

Trade between the UK and India is currently valued at $54.8 billion and supports more than 600,000 jobs across both nations. Starmer said that business opportunities were “already opening up” because of the agreement and urged companies to capitalize on them.

Among the British companies represented on the trip are British Airways, BP, and Airbus. British Airways announced a third daily flight between Delhi and Heathrow starting next year, while Manchester Airport unveiled a new direct route to Delhi.

Starmer also highlighted cultural collaboration as a key component of the relationship. During a visit to Yash Raj Films studio, he revealed that three Bollywood movies would be produced in the UK from 2026, marking the end of an eight-year break in major Indian film production there.

“Bollywood is back in Britain,” Starmer said. “It’s bringing jobs, investment, and opportunity, all while showcasing the UK as a world-class destination for global filmmaking.”

Yash Raj Films CEO Akshaye Widhani said the UK “holds a very special place in our hearts” and praised its “unmatched infrastructure, technology and talent.” Experts estimated the productions would generate around 3,000 jobs and inject millions into the British economy.

Diplomacy and Sensitive Issues

Starmer’s itinerary also includes a meeting with Modi, where discussions covered trade implementation and cooperation in technology and energy. However, Starmer said before the meeting that his focus would remain on practical economic outcomes rather than contentious political matters.

Asked whether he would criticize India’s purchase of Russian oil, Starmer said the UK’s primary concern was the “shadow fleet”, unregulated tankers transporting Russian crude globally. “We’ve been one of the lead countries in relation to the shadow fleet,” he said.

He also confirmed he would raise the case of Jagtar Singh Johal, a British Sikh man detained in India for seven years without conviction, stating that “we always raise consular cases on every level.”

Starmer’s visit comes as Modi extended birthday greetings to Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier this week, a gesture Starmer pointedly distanced himself from. “Just for the record, I haven’t sent birthday congratulations to Putin, nor am I going to do so,” he told reporters.

With the free trade deal set to take effect next year, both London and New Delhi are positioning themselves to maximize its benefits. The UK hopes the agreement will offset economic uncertainty following Brexit and global tariff tensions, while India aims to expand its manufacturing exports and attract high-value investments from British firms.

Glad to have taken part in the Global Fintech Fest 2025 in Mumbai with PM Keir Starmer. Platforms like this highlight our nation’s resolve to strengthen this sector and build new momentum for global welfare.@Keir_Starmer pic.twitter.com/3SjilFkWtw

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 9, 2025