Sir Keir Starmer has declined to say whether he will confront Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi over India's continued purchase of Russian oil during their meeting on Thursday. Modi is facing sanctions from US President Donald Trump over the purchases, which come as Western nations tighten sanctions on Moscow.
Ahead of the face-to-face talks, Starmer was asked if he would urge Modi to stop buying oil from President Vladimir Putin. The Prime Minister told reporters the UK has been a strong supporter of Ukraine since the start of the conflict, while also maintaining solid ties with India. He did not directly answer the question, instead stating that the UK is taking effective sanctions targeting Russia's shadow fleet, which is used to illicitly sell oil and gas.
Pressed again, Starmer said: 'Our position on energy into Russia is to bear down on the shadow fleet more than anything, which is where we've directed our focus.' The comments came as Modi wished his 'friend' Putin a happy birthday on Tuesday.
Starmer also sought to clarify his earlier remarks that expanding Indian access to UK visas is not part of the free trade agreement (FTA). Speaking near Mumbai's Maidan Oval cricket ground, he said none of the business leaders accompanying him had raised visas, and that the focus was on opportunities from the FTA, which is expected to be worth £4.8 billion annually to the UK economy.
The Prime Minister is leading the UK's largest ever trade mission to India, with 125 business chiefs, cultural leaders and university bosses in Mumbai. Modi's government gave Starmer a warm welcome, with billboards featuring his image and messages about a 'vibrant new era' of partnership, alongside street performers and musicians.
