Prime Minister Keir Starmer has embarked on a significant trade mission to Mumbai, where he immediately addressed one of the most contentious issues surrounding UK-India trade negotiations: immigration.
Speaking firmly on his arrival in India's financial capital, Starmer declared that any future trade agreement with New Delhi would "not be linked to the UK's visa system", directly confronting speculation that Britain might offer more generous immigration terms to secure a deal.
Clarifying the UK's Position
The Prime Minister's comments come amid ongoing negotiations for what could be one of Britain's most significant post-Brexit trade agreements. Starmer emphasised his commitment to striking the right deal rather than rushing into an agreement that might compromise UK interests.
"My focus is on ensuring we get a trade deal that works for the British people and the British economy," Starmer stated, adding that he wanted to "reset the relationship" between the two nations following what he described as years of "stop-start" negotiations under previous governments.
What's at Stake in Mumbai
The trade mission represents a crucial moment for Starmer's government as it seeks to:
- Strengthen economic ties with one of the world's fastest-growing economies
- Address barriers facing UK businesses in sectors from financial services to whisky
- Navigate complex issues including professional qualifications recognition
- Build on the existing trading relationship worth approximately £38 billion annually
The Immigration Question
Starmer's explicit denial of visa concessions comes after years of speculation that immigration rules might be a bargaining chip in trade talks. The Prime Minister made clear that his government sees trade and immigration as separate policy areas, despite previous suggestions from Indian officials that easier movement for students and professionals would be a priority in negotiations.
"We will not be trading visa concessions for trade advantages," a senior government official accompanying Starmer confirmed, underscoring the administration's position.
Looking Ahead
As Starmer begins his engagements in Mumbai, including meetings with business leaders and political figures, the focus remains on building what he calls a "modern, forward-looking partnership" that benefits both nations economically without compromising on domestic policy priorities.
The success of this mission could significantly shape Britain's trade strategy for years to come, setting the tone for how the UK approaches negotiations with other major economies in the post-Brexit landscape.
