Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Keir Starmer, who is on his first official visit to India, has described the India-UK Free Trade Agreement as the biggest deal the United Kingdom has signed since leaving the European Union.
Addressing business leaders in Mumbai today on the first day of his visit to the city, the UK Prime Minister said that the trade partnership between India and the United Kingdom is of great importance and marks the return leg after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the UK earlier this year.
He also stated that this is the largest trade mission ever sent by the United Kingdom to India.
The Free Trade Agreement, signed in July last year during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to London, is expected to boost bilateral trade between the two countries by 25.5 billion pounds annually.
The pact includes major tariff reductions on products such as textiles, whisky, and cars, making exports from both nations more competitive.
Under the agreement, the United Kingdom will offer 99.1 percent of tariff lines with full trade value, mostly at zero duty, giving Indian businesses wider access to the UK market.
The deal is also expected to create thousands of jobs in both countries, especially in the sectors of textiles, leather, footwear, sports goods, and engineering.
The UK PM also visited the Yash Raj Films (YRF) studios in suburban Andheri, one of Bollywood’s key production hubs. The studio visit is seen as a step towards fostering creative partnerships, including potential joint film projects and cultural exchange programmes.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Yash Raj Films CEO Akshaye Widhani, and actor Rani Mukerji watched a screening during his visit to Yash Raj Films.
Later, PM Starmer also participated in a football showcase event organised by the English Premier League at Cooperage football ground in south Mumbai.
The aim of the event is to promote sports diplomacy and strengthen ties between the UK and India in the field of football. Former England International Michael Owen also attended the event, alongside local football enthusiasts and young players.
Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended a warm welcome to his British counterpart. In a message on social media, he said he looks forward to their meeting tomorrow for working together towards a stronger and more prosperous future for both nations.
The Ministry of External Affairs said the visit marks a new chapter in the strong and dynamic partnership between India and the United Kingdom.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Wednesday described the India–UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as the “biggest deal” the United Kingdom has struck since leaving the European Union, terming it “hugely important” for both nations.
Addressing business leaders during an interaction in Mumbai, Starmer said, “This is the biggest trade mission that the United Kingdom has ever sent to India.” He added that his visit marks the “return leg” following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the UK earlier this year.
Starmer said that the UK’s exit from the European Union has allowed it to forge new trade partnerships, with India emerging as a key partner in its post-Brexit economic strategy.
“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.
The India–UK Free Trade Agreement, signed in July 2024 during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the UK, is a landmark pact aimed at boosting bilateral trade by £25.5 billion annually.
The agreement provides substantial tariff reductions on a range of goods, including textiles, whisky, and cars, enhancing competitiveness for exporters in both markets.
Under the deal, the UK will offer duty-free access on 99.1% of tariff lines, covering 100% of trade value immediately upon enforcement.
The FTA is projected to generate thousands of jobs across sectors such as textiles, leather, footwear, sports goods, and engineering, while also deepening economic engagement between the world’s fifth- and sixth-largest economies.
The trade pact seeks to double bilateral trade by 2030 and strengthen cooperation in innovation, services, and investment.
During his interaction at the Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai, the British Prime Minister also shared lighter moments with industry representatives, including taking a selfie with a disposable camera