UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer Visits Mumbai to Strengthen India-UK Trade Relations

On October 8, 2025, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in Mumbai for his first official visit to India. Accompanied by a delegation of 125 leading British business leaders, including representatives from major firms such as Rolls-Royce, British Telecom, and Diageo, Starmer’s visit highlights the United Kingdom's commitment to deepening economic ties with India. This trip follows the signing of the UK-India Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CEPA) in July 2025, aimed at significantly enhancing trade and investment between the two nations.

Upon arrival at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Starmer was welcomed by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, and Governor Acharya Devvrat, emphasizing the importance India places on this diplomatic engagement.

United Kingdom’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer MP, will make his first official visit to India on October 8-9, 2025, at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi | India Today

Boosting Economic Collaboration

The CEPA is expected to substantially increase UK exports to India and raise bilateral trade by £25.5 billion annually. By eliminating tariffs on over 90% of UK goods exported to India, the agreement offers British businesses easier access to one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. Economic projections indicate that this trade pact could boost the UK’s GDP by £4.8 billion each year and increase wages by £2.2 billion, generating benefits for communities across Britain.

Prime Minister Starmer emphasized that the focus of the visit is squarely on trade, investment, and job creation rather than immigration policies. He clarified that the UK is not seeking a visa agreement with India as part of this trade mission, ensuring that the discussions remain focused on business opportunities and economic collaboration.

Strengthening the Strategic Partnership

Beyond trade and investment, Starmer’s visit also highlights broader areas of cooperation, including education, technology, and culture. Meetings with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and participation in CEO forums are designed to facilitate dialogue between policymakers and business leaders, fostering innovation and collaboration in critical sectors.

Starmer noted that India’s rapid economic growth presents opportunities not only for bilateral trade but also for creating jobs and expanding markets for UK businesses. The delegation’s presence underscores the UK’s commitment to making India a key partner in the Vision 2035 roadmap, which aims to strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations.

The MGMM Outlook

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s first official visit to Mumbai represents a landmark moment in India-UK economic relations. Accompanied by 125 top British business leaders, Starmer’s trip underscores the UK’s commitment to strengthening trade and investment ties with India, following the signing of the UK-India Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CEPA) in July 2025. With the CEPA set to eliminate tariffs on over 90% of UK goods exported to India and potentially boost bilateral trade by £25.5 billion annually, the agreement opens significant opportunities for British businesses while contributing to economic growth and job creation in both nations. Starmer made it clear that the focus remains on business collaboration, investment, and employment, rather than visa policies, highlighting a pragmatic approach to fostering economic ties.

Beyond trade, the visit reflects a broader strategic engagement between India and the UK, encompassing education, technology, and cultural exchange. Interaction with Indian leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and participation in CEO forums demonstrate an effort to align policymakers and industry visionaries, promoting innovation and future-ready collaboration. As India continues its rapid economic growth trajectory, such initiatives strengthen the foundation for a long-term partnership, positioning both countries to benefit from expanding markets, technological advancement, and shared economic prosperity.

(Sources: India Today, The Guardian, Hindustan Times)