Last Updated on October 09, 2025
   
Last Updated on October 09, 2025

Opportunities waiting to be seized under IndiaU.K. FTA unparalleled: Keir Starmer

PTOI
2025-10-08
News

The opportunities waiting to be seized under the India-U.K. Free Trade Agreement (FTA) are unparalleled,” British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Wednesday (October 8, 2025) as he kick-started his first visit to India after assuming the charge of the top office.

Mr. Starmer said the trade deal is a launchpad to expand bilateral trade and economic growth with India which is set to be the third biggest global economy by 2028.

The British leader, accompanied by a delegation of 125 of the U.K.s most prominent business leaders, entrepreneurs, university Vice-Chancellors, landed in Mumbai this morning on a two-day visit.

“The opportunities waiting to be seized under the India-U.K. Free Trade Agreement (FTA) are unparalleled,” British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Wednesday (October 8, 2025) as he kick-started his first visit to India after assuming the charge of the top office.

Mr. Starmer said the trade deal is a launchpad to expand bilateral trade and economic growth with India which is set to be the third biggest global economy by 2028.

The British leader, accompanied by a delegation of 125 of the U.K.s most prominent business leaders, entrepreneurs, university Vice-Chancellors, landed in Mumbai this morning on a two-day visit.

Mr. Starmer and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold wide-ranging talks on Thursday (October 9, 2025) to explore ways to further expand the bilateral ties.

We signed a major trade deal with India in July — the best secured by any country — but the story doesnt stop there, the British Prime Minister said.

Its not just a piece of paper, its a launchpad for growth. With India set to be the third biggest economy in the world by 2028, and trade with them about to become quicker and cheaper, the opportunities waiting to be seized are unparalleled, he said. Mr. Starmer said growth in India means more choice, stability and jobs at home for the British people.

The British Prime Ministers visit to India came two-and-half months after the two countries inked the landmark free trade pact that will increase market access, cut tariffs and double bilateral trade by 2030. The landmark trade deal was firmed up during PM Modis visit to London in July.

The visit aims at strengthening cultural ties and promotes collaboration between the British and Indian film industries. Mr. Starmer drove to the YRF Studios amid heavy police security.

His visit to the facility is seen as a step toward fostering creative partnerships, including potential joint film projects and cultural exchange programmes. Security arrangements were increased in key locations in the vicinity of the facility ahead of the U.K. Prime Minister’s visit.

Keir Starmer at a football showcase event Further, Mr. Starmer participated in a football showcase event organised by the English Premier League in Mumbai on Wednesday (October 8, 2025). He reached the Cooperage football ground in south Mumbai for the event amid tight police security. The event is designed to promote sports diplomacy and strengthen ties between the U.K. and India in the field of football.

ormer England international Michael Owen also attended the event, alongside local football enthusiasts and young players.

Top executives part of Starmer’s delegation A British readout on Mr. Starmers India trip said it seeks to build on the momentum from the U.K.-India trade deal as it will open up access for British businesses to one of the fastest-growing economies in the world.

“Following the signature of the landmark U.K.-India trade deal in July, which will lower tariffs on British goods being imported into India, the “door is now open” for British businesses to “turbocharge” their trade with one of the fastest growing economies in the world,” it said.


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