UK’s Starmer Eyes Trade Deal with India, Seeks Strategic Partnership

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced plans to restart trade negotiations with India following his bilateral meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the G20 summit in Brazil. This marks Starmer’s first meeting with Modi since assuming office.

“Boosting trade abroad is essential to delivering a strong economy at home. The UK is committed to negotiating a trade deal with India – one of the fastest-growing economies in the world,” Starmer said in an official statement from 10 Downing Street.

Focus on Economic Growth and Strategic Cooperation

Starmer emphasized that a trade agreement with India would create jobs and promote economic prosperity in the UK. “A new trade deal with India will support jobs and prosperity in the UK – and represent a step forward in our mission to deliver growth and opportunity across our country,” he stated.

The UK is also seeking to establish a strategic partnership with India that encompasses cooperation in areas such as security, education, technology, and climate change.

PM Modi Calls the Meeting “Extremely Productive”

Prime Minister Modi described the discussions as highly constructive, reiterating India’s commitment to the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with the UK. Modi noted the importance of resuming negotiations for the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as soon as possible.

“For India, the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with the UK is of immense priority. In the coming years, we are eager to work closely in areas such as technology, green energy, security, innovation, and technology,” Modi wrote in a post on X.

Both leaders expressed confidence in their negotiating teams’ ability to resolve remaining issues and achieve a balanced, mutually beneficial trade agreement.

This renewed focus on the India-UK FTA reflects the shared ambition to deepen bilateral ties and unlock economic opportunities for both nations.