Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to India, aiming to bolster relations and underscore his commitment to fostering stronger ties between the UK and India. The visit highlights Starmer’s ambition to secure a trade deal with India—a task that has eluded successive British governments, including one led by Rishi Sunak, the UK’s first British Indian Prime Minister. Starmer, who is positioning himself as a strong contender for the next UK general election, has emphasized the importance of deepening economic and cultural connections with India. His discussions with Modi centered on enhancing bilateral relations, addressing shared global challenges, and fostering closer trade partnerships. India is a crucial partner for the UK, representing not only a significant market for British goods and services but also a rapidly growing economy with immense potential for future collaboration. The meeting comes against the backdrop of the UK’s ongoing efforts to secure a free trade agreement (FTA) with India. Negotiations for the deal, which began in early 2022, have faced multiple hurdles, including differences over market access, labor mobility, and intellectual property rights. While Rishi Sunak’s government has worked to push the negotiations forward, an agreement remains elusive. Starmer’s approach signals that a Labour-led government would prioritize a robust relationship with India as part of its foreign and trade policy agenda. During his visit, Starmer expressed optimism about the prospects of a trade agreement, describing it as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to strengthen economic ties. He outlined his vision for a partnership that would not only facilitate trade but also create jobs and drive innovation in both countries. A comprehensive trade deal can unlock immense potential for our economies and deepen the historic ties between our nations,” Starmer said.
The Labour leader’s visit was also an opportunity to address the broader UK-India relationship, which extends beyond trade. Starmer highlighted the contributions of the Indian diaspora in the UK, noting their role in shaping British society and economy. He acknowledged the importance of cultural exchanges, academic partnerships, and collaborations in technology and climate change as key pillars of the bilateral relationship. Starmer’s outreach to India also carries significant political undertones. By proactively engaging with one of the world’s largest economies and a global player, he aims to demonstrate his capacity for international leadership. His emphasis on securing a trade deal that benefits both nations contrasts with the Conservative government’s challenges in navigating the complex negotiations. However, analysts caution that achieving a trade deal with India will not be straightforward. India has traditionally been a cautious negotiator in FTAs, prioritizing its domestic industries and maintaining strategic autonomy in trade policies. Key sticking points, such as visa liberalization for Indian professionals and tariffs on British exports, remain contentious. For Starmer, overcoming these hurdles would require a delicate balance of diplomacy and pragmatism. The visit also coincides with shifting global dynamics, where nations are recalibrating their trade and diplomatic priorities post-pandemic. For the UK, a closer relationship with India aligns with its broader strategy of pivoting towards the Indo-Pacific region, especially after Brexit. For India, the UK represents an important partner in its quest for technological collaboration, green energy solutions, and access to global markets. As Starmer seeks to position himself as a leader capable of delivering on international commitments, his visit to India underscores the importance of cultivating a long-term vision for UK-India relations. While the prospect of an FTA remains uncertain, the Labour leader’s proactive engagement sends a strong signal of his intent to prioritize this relationship if elected to power. In the coming months, the progress—or lack thereof—on the UK-India trade deal will continue to be a focal point in British politics. For now, Starmer’s meeting with Modi reflects a strategic effort to lay the groundwork for future collaboration, reaffirming the shared interests and opportunities that define the UK-India partnership
