British PM Starmer Visits India to Strengthen Trade Ties

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in India on October 8, 2023, marking his first official visit to the country following the signing of a significant free trade agreement between the United Kingdom and India. This landmark deal concluded months of negotiations, establishing a framework expected to enhance economic relations between the two nations.

Starmer’s two-day visit includes a delegation of 125 members, featuring prominent business leaders such as Sean Doyle, CEO of British Airways. The prime minister’s agenda includes meetings with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who he previously met in London in July. During that meeting, the two leaders formalized the trade accord, which aims to increase bilateral trade, currently valued at approximately US$54.8 billion.

Economic Opportunities and Trade Agreement Details

During his visit, Starmer is expected to address a fintech conference in Mumbai alongside Modi. He emphasized the potential for growth, stating, “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.”

The trade agreement entails significant reductions in tariffs. India will lower tariffs on British imports such as whisky, cosmetics, and medical devices, while the UK will decrease duties on various Indian goods, including clothing, footwear, and frozen prawns. This reciprocal arrangement aims to bolster economic ties and facilitate increased trade flows.

India and the UK, ranked as the fifth and sixth largest economies globally, have a long-standing relationship that extends beyond economic interests. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs remarked that this visit would “provide a valuable opportunity to reaffirm the shared vision of India and the United Kingdom to build a forward-looking partnership.”

Visa Access and Human Rights Considerations

Despite the positive outlook on trade, Starmer has faced pressure regarding visa access for Indian professionals. He clarified that expanding such access is not part of his current plans, stating, “That isn’t part of the plan. We’re here now to take advantage of the free trade agreement that we’ve already struck. We’ve got to implement it.”

Rights groups have urged Starmer to address the situation of Jagtar Singh Johal, a Scottish Sikh blogger detained in India since 2017. Johal is facing allegations related to a plot to assassinate right-wing Hindu leaders, although he has not been convicted, and one of the charges against him was dismissed in March 2023.

Starmer’s visit to India is poised to be a significant step in reinforcing the economic alliance between the two countries while navigating complex social and political issues. As the UK looks to strengthen its global trading partnerships post-Brexit, this trip serves as a crucial opportunity to enhance collaboration with one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.