Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has insisted that the recently struck trade deal with India will not lead to further changes in UK visa restrictions, as he embarks on a two-day visit to Mumbai. Starmer is leading a delegation of more than 120 chief executives, cultural leaders, and university vice-chancellors aimed at boosting growth and trade ties.
Speaking to reporters before his departure, Starmer said the focus of the trip was on implementing the free trade agreement, not on visa liberalisation. “No, that isn’t part of the plans,” he stated when asked about easing visa rules for workers or students. He emphasised that businesses would benefit from the “mood music” of the deal, citing increased flights by British Airways and others.
The visit comes amid questions over the closeness of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Russian President Vladimir Putin. As Starmer prepared to land, Modi posted a warm birthday message to Putin, praising his commitment to strengthening the Indian-Russian partnership. Starmer is expected to raise the issue of Ukraine during his meeting with Modi.
Starmer also faces pressure to address the case of Jagtar Singh Johal, a Scottish-Indian Sikh activist imprisoned in India for eight years despite charges being dropped. The trade deal, signed in the spring, is projected to boost bilateral trade by £25.5 billion annually, but government forecasts suggest it will add only about 0.13% to GDP by 2040.
