Saturday, March 29, 2025
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has arrived in Mumbai on his first official visit to India, accompanied by the UK’s largest-ever trade mission. The two-day visit (October 8–9) focuses on strengthening India–UK ties in trade, technology, defence, and climate change.
Starmer is leading a 125-member delegation that includes CEOs of major companies such as BP, Rolls-Royce, British Airways, Diageo, and the Scotch Whisky Association, along with university vice-chancellors and cultural representatives. This follows the signing of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) in July 2025, which Starmer described as “the most secure deal any country has achieved.”
Before leaving London, Starmer told his delegation that the agreement was “only the beginning” and added: “The story does not end here.” He highlighted India’s projection to become the world’s third-largest economy by 2028, calling the opportunities “unique and transformative.”
Starmer received a ceremonial welcome at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar. Mumbai landmarks, including the BMC headquarters, were decorated with Indian and British flags.
On the first day, Starmer will visit Yash Raj Studios (YRF) to highlight cultural collaboration, attend a football program at Cooperage Ground, and meet leading industry figures. “By flying the flag of British business in India with 125 leading companies, we are bringing more options, opportunities, and jobs for the people of the UK,” he said.
Starmer also made a unique gesture en route: speaking from the cockpit of British Airways flight BA9100, he welcomed passengers to Mumbai, calling the visit “the UK’s largest-ever trade mission to India.”
The visit builds on the CETA signed during PM Modi’s visit to the UK in July 2025. The deal is expected to raise bilateral trade to £100 billion, with tariff cuts on Scotch whisky (from 150% to 75% immediately, and to 40% within a decade) and improved access for Indian textiles, cars, and goods.
Starmer emphasized: “We signed the biggest trade deal in July—the best deal we could secure—but the story does not end here.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is also in Maharashtra for a two-day visit, will meet Starmer on October 9 in Mumbai. The two leaders will attend the CEO Forum and the 6th edition of the Global Fintech Fest, reviewing progress under the India–UK Vision 2035 Roadmap. Discussions will span trade, investment, technology, defence, climate, energy, health, education, and people-to-people ties.
They are also expected to exchange views on regional and global issues while engaging with policymakers, innovators, and industry experts.
During his visit, PM Modi will inaugurate the first phase of the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), built at a cost of ₹19,650 crore, and the final stretch of the Mumbai Metro Line 3, costing ₹12,200 crore. The entire Aqua Line project, worth ₹37,270 crore, will be dedicated to the nation.
He will also launch Mumbai One, India’s first integrated mobility app for 11 public transport operators.
