In a landmark visit to Mumbai, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi solidified a transformative trade deal, hailed as a "launchpad" for deeper economic and cultural ties. Signed in July, the Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA) is already driving £1 billion in UK investments and creating nearly 7,000 jobs. The agreement slashes taxes on Indian goods like clothing, footwear, jewelry, and frozen seafood, while India reduces duties on UK exports such as Scotch whisky, cosmetics, medical devices, and luxury cars.

Starmer’s two-day visit, accompanied by the UK’s largest-ever trade delegation of over 100 CEOs, entrepreneurs, university leaders, and cultural figures, underscored the deal’s ambition. Describing it as the "most ambitious trade deal India has ever done," Starmer highlighted its potential to boost British leadership in tech, life sciences, and renewable energy. "India, the world’s largest democracy, is on track to become the third-largest economy by 2028," he noted, emphasizing the vast opportunities for collaboration.

Beyond trade, the leaders signed a £350 million ($468 million) defense contract for the UK to supply missiles to India, strengthening bilateral security ties. Discussions also touched on global issues, including the Ukraine conflict, where India’s purchase of Russian fossil fuels was raised. Starmer acknowledged Modi’s call for "dialogue and diplomacy" to resolve the war, while also addressing the case of Jagtar Singh Johal, a British Sikh activist detained in India for seven years without conviction.

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Education emerged as a key pillar of the partnership, with Lancaster and Surrey universities approved to open campuses in India, joining York, Aberdeen, and Queen’s University Belfast. These campuses are expected to deliver a £50 million economic boost to the UK while fostering educational exchange. Meanwhile, a memorandum of understanding between the British Film Institute and India’s National Film Development Corporation promises to elevate co-productions and cultural collaboration.

Starmer’s visit also spotlighted India’s digital ID system, with the UK exploring a similar framework despite public pushback, evidenced by a 2.8 million-signature petition against mandatory digital IDs for work eligibility. Undeterred, the UK government sees the system as a tool to curb illegal migration.

Greeted by thousands of giant photos of himself and Modi lining Mumbai’s streets, Starmer’s visit symbolized a new era of UK-India collaboration, blending economic ambition, defense cooperation, and cultural synergy.

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