Keir Starmer is embarking on his inaugural official trip to India following the conclusion of a significant trade agreement with Narendra Modi. Accompanied by a delegation of more than 100 UK business leaders and university heads, the Prime Minister is heading to Mumbai to enhance the relationship between the two countries. The trade pact, valued at £6 billion, was finalized during a meeting between Mr. Starmer and PM Modi at Chequers, Buckinghamshire. Modi highlighted the historic significance of the deal, emphasizing that it marks the beginning of a new era in the shared history of India and the UK.
Described as the most economically impactful agreement post-Brexit, the treaty will lead to a substantial reduction in tariffs on key British exports like whisky and gin. This trade deal comes after three years of unsuccessful attempts to secure a post-Brexit agreement with India, including the unsuccessful efforts of former PM Boris Johnson and his Conservative successors, Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak.
During their visit, Modi and Starmer are scheduled to attend the Global Fintech conference in Mumbai to further strengthen the partnership between India and the United Kingdom. However, Starmer may face inquiries regarding India’s oil imports from Russia amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The visit is seen as an opportunity to reinforce the shared vision of both nations to build a progressive alliance.
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