The Indo-British trade agreement opens unprecedented opportunities — Prime Minister Starmer in Mumbai

“This is the largest trade deal the UK has struck since leaving the European Union, and also the most significant for India,” Starmer said. He arrived in Mumbai with a delegation of about 100 entrepreneurs, cultural representatives, and university leaders to discuss the new opportunities created by the agreement.

According to the Prime Minister, the agreement is not just a document but a platform for accelerated economic growth. By 2028, India is expected to become the world's third-largest economy, and with trade between the countries becoming easier and cheaper, unique opportunities are opening up.

On Thursday, Starmer will meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with whom he will participate in the sixth Global Fintech Fest in Mumbai. Modi welcomed the British premier and expressed hope for productive discussions on their shared vision of a strong and mutually beneficial future.

The visit, made at Modi’s invitation, will focus on reviewing progress in implementing the "Vision 2035" program, covering cooperation in trade, investment, technology, defense, climate, health, education, and cultural exchanges. The leaders will also discuss regional and global issues along with business representatives.

The Indo-British CETA aims to increase bilateral trade by £25.5 billion annually, with significant tariff reductions on goods such as textiles, whisky, and automobiles. The UK will provide duty-free access on 99.1% of tariff lines, covering all trade value from the agreement’s enforcement date.

During his stay in India, Starmer received positive responses from British companies like Rolls-Royce, which plan to expand their presence in the country. However, he noted that a review of visa regulations for Indians is not planned, as this issue has not been raised by the business community and is not part of the CETA framework.

The Prime Minister also visited the Yash Raj Films studio, met with Indian producers and actress Rani Mukherjee, expressing interest in strengthening cultural exchanges and joint projects between the film industries of the two countries. According to the UK government, three new Bollywood movies are planned to be filmed in the UK from 2026.

India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, discussed the agreement's implementation with the UK’s Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Peter Kyle, reaffirming their commitment to accelerating its operationalization.