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British Prime Minister Keir Starmer met business leaders on Wednesday in Mumbai and described the India-UK trade partnership as “really important,” highlighting the significance of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signed after the UK left the European Union, ANI reported.

Speaking at an interaction with industry leaders, Starmer said, “This is the biggest trade mission that the United Kingdom has ever sent to India.” He noted that his visit marks the “return leg” after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s trip to the UK earlier this year.I'm flying the flag for British business in Mumbai, because growth in India for British businesses means more jobs for people at home. pic.twitter.com/H4TnuTEjQe

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— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) October 8, 2025

The UK's exit from the EU has allowed it to forge new trade relationships, with the India-UK FTA serving as a major step in this direction. Starmer described the deal signed in July this year as “really important,” adding, “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.”

The UK-India Free Trade Agreement aims to increase bilateral trade by £25.5 billion annually. Signed during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the UK in July 2024, the agreement includes substantial tariff reductions on goods such as textiles, whisky, and cars, making exports more competitive in both markets. Indian businesses will gain greater access to the UK market, with 99.1 per cent of tariff lines offered at zero duty immediately upon the agreement’s enforcement.

The FTA is expected to create thousands of jobs in sectors including textiles, leather, footwear, sports goods, and engineering. The pact seeks to expand market access, reduce tariffs, and double bilateral trade by 2030. In a lighter moment during his visit, Starmer was seen taking a selfie with a disposable camera at the Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai.

PM Modi extended a warm welcome to his British counterpart, expressing optimism about advancing India-UK ties. On X, PM Modi wrote, “Welcome Prime Minister Keir Starmer on your historic first visit to India with the largest ever trade delegation from the UK. Looking forward to our meeting tomorrow for advancing our shared vision of a stronger, mutually prosperous future.”

Upon arrival at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai, Starmer was received by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar. The Ministry of External Affairs added, “A warm welcome to PM Keir Starmer of the United Kingdom! This visit marks a new chapter in our strong and dynamic India-UK partnership.”

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