PM Starmer in India to Strengthen Ties After Historic Free Trade Deal
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is in India, leading a 125-member delegation, to strengthen ties following the signing of a significant free trade agreement. The deal, the largest India has ever struck, promises to boost trade between the two nations. Starmer's visit comes amidst calls from rights groups to address the detention of Scottish Sikh blogger Jagtar Singh Johal.
Starmer's visit follows a July meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in London, where they inked the trade accord. The UK delegation includes representatives from manufacturing, technology, finance, and services sectors, pushing for tariff reductions in automotive, steel, electronics, and textile industries.
Under the new agreement, India will cut tariffs on British goods such as whisky, cosmetics, and medical devices. In return, the UK will reduce duties on Indian products like clothing, footwear, and frozen prawns. Starmer praised the 'unparalleled' opportunities in India, with the country set to become the world's third-largest economy by 2028.
Starmer is scheduled to meet Modi on Thursday and speak at a fintech conference in Mumbai alongside him. However, he has ruled out expanding visa access for Indian professionals despite industry pressure.
The free trade agreement between India and the UK is expected to bring substantial benefits to both nations. Starmer's visit aims to build on the progress made and explore further opportunities. Meanwhile, rights groups hope that Starmer will raise the case of Jagtar Singh Johal, detained in India since 2017.
