Keir Starmer arrived in Mumbai on Wednesday as part of his first official visit to India as British Prime Minister. He was welcomed at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, and Maharashtra Governor Acharya. Starmer is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday. This visit follows the signing of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement in July of last year, which is viewed as a significant step to strengthen trade and economic relations between the two nations. Starmer’s visit occurs amid ongoing tariff measures imposed by US President Donald Trump, which have been impacting the global economy.
The meeting between the two leaders will take place at Raj Bhavan on Thursday morning, where they will also issue a joint statement reviewing the India-UK partnership. Later, Starmer will dine with industry leaders before attending the Global Fintech Fest at the Jio World Centre in Bandra-Kurla Complex. Ahead of his trip, Starmer stated on X that the trade deal signed with India in July is the best secured by any country and emphasized its potential as a catalyst for growth. He highlighted that with India projected to become the world’s third-largest economy by 2028, enhanced UK-India diplomatic trade relations present exceptional opportunities.
Starmer also mentioned his aim to promote British businesses, noting that his presence in Mumbai alongside 125 leading UK companies will foster growth, leading to more choices, opportunities, and jobs for the British populace.