Wed Oct 08 15:20:38 UTC 2025: ## UK Prime Minister Starmer Leads Largest-Ever Trade Mission to India, Aiming to “Turbocharge” Economic Ties
**Mumbai, India** – UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in India on Wednesday, leading a massive delegation of British business leaders and university representatives on a two-day trade mission aimed at significantly boosting economic cooperation between the two nations. Dubbed Britain’s largest ever to India, the visit seeks to capitalize on a recent landmark trade deal and strengthen ties amid global economic shifts.
The mission comes as both the UK and India are navigating complex trade landscapes, particularly in light of recent tariffs imposed by the United States. The UK, despite securing its own trade agreement with Washington, has been subject to tariffs, albeit at a lower rate than the 50% levied on Indian goods in response to New Delhi’s trade with Russia.
Prime Minister Starmer emphasized the importance of the visit, stating it would “turbocharge” the existing trade relationship. He highlighted the potential for growth, noting India’s projected rise to become the world’s third-largest economy by 2028. The recent trade deal, he asserted, serves as a “launchpad for growth,” promising quicker and cheaper trade opportunities for both nations.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Starmer’s arrival, expressing his hope to strengthen the “shared vision of a stronger, mutually prosperous future.” The two leaders are scheduled to meet on Thursday and address a fintech conference in Mumbai.
The current trade between the UK and India is valued at $54.8 billion, supporting over 600,000 jobs across both countries. The new trade agreement promises to further stimulate economic activity by reducing tariffs on key goods. India will lower tariffs on British products such as whisky, cosmetics, and medical devices, while the UK will cut duties on Indian clothing, footwear, and food products, including frozen prawns. The UK government projects the deal will increase the UK’s GDP by £4.8 billion ($6.4 billion) annually and boost UK exports to India by nearly 60 percent.
Starmer’s itinerary included a visit to Yash Raj Film studio, where he announced that three Bollywood films would be produced in the UK starting next year, emphasizing the investment and job creation this will bring. He also highlighted the popularity of the English Premier League in India by visiting a community program focused on developing young Indian footballers.
The high-powered delegation accompanying Starmer includes CEOs from major British companies such as British Airways, BP, and Airbus, as well as vice-chancellors from 14 leading British universities, signaling a comprehensive commitment to fostering deeper economic and educational ties between the UK and India.
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