LONDON

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has arrived in India with a delegation of 125 leading business figures, university vice chancellors, and cultural leaders for a two-day trade mission aimed at deepening economic ties and boosting investment between the two countries.

The visit follows the signing of a landmark UK-India trade deal in July, which is expected to lower tariffs and open greater access to India's fastest-growing economy.

The agreement, described by the UK government as the best secured by any country with India, is expected to raise bilateral trade by £25.5 billion (nearly $19 billion) a year.

Major companies, including Rolls-Royce, British Telecom, Diageo, London Stock Exchange Group and British Airways, are among those joining the prime minister’s delegation, alongside growing small and medium-sized businesses from across the UK.

Starmer said in a statement that the deal and the visit were about turning opportunity into growth.

“We signed a major trade deal with India in July – the best secured by any country – but the story doesn’t stop there. It’s not just a piece of paper; it’s a launchpad for growth. With India set to be the third biggest economy in the world by 2028, and trade with them about to become quicker and cheaper, the opportunities waiting to be seized are unparalleled.

"That’s why I’ll be flying the flag for British business alongside 125 of our biggest household names in Mumbai this week – because growth in India for them means more choice, opportunity and jobs at home for the British people,” he added.

Under the deal, India’s average tariff on UK products will fall from 15% to 3%.

Key sectors are expected to benefit, with whisky tariffs dropping from 150% to 75% immediately and then to 40% over the next decade.

The government says the agreement will make trade faster and simpler, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises, through improved customs and digital processes.

The delegation also includes 14 university vice chancellors and representatives, reflecting growing educational demand in India, where 70 million new higher education places are expected to be needed by 2035.

During the visit, Starmer will meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss further cooperation under the UK-India Technology Security Initiative, focusing on artificial intelligence, telecommunications and defense technology.

The UK government says the mission demonstrates its commitment to international partnerships that deliver growth and jobs at home.