British Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in India on Wednesday for a two-day official visit aimed at deepening economic and business ties following the signing of a landmark UK-India free trade agreement (FTA) earlier this year.

Accompanied by more than 100 leaders from the business, cultural, and academic sectors, Starmer’s visit marks his first major overseas trade mission since assuming office, underscoring the UK’s post-Brexit push to strengthen ties with global partners beyond Europe.

Trade deal to unlock £25.5billion in growth

The UK-India trade deal, finalized in July during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to London, aims to cut tariffs on goods ranging from textiles and cars to whisky, while expanding market access for British companies operating in India.

Talks for the agreement began in 2022 but were repeatedly delayed due to tariff disputes and political shifts in both countries. The final deal, however, was fast-tracked amid global trade uncertainties, including tariff tensions triggered by U.S. President Donald Trump’s economic policies.

The agreement between the world’s fifth- and sixth-largest economies is expected to boost bilateral trade by at least £25.5 billion ($34 billion) by 2040, though the British government has described that figure as “a floor, not a ceiling,” highlighting its ambitious scope.

“A launchpad for growth”

Calling the deal a milestone for the UK’s post-Brexit trade agenda, Starmer said it represented far more than a document.

“It’s not just a piece of paper—it’s a launchpad for growth,” Starmer told reporters before departing London. “India is on track to become the world’s third-largest economy by 2028, and the opportunities for partnership are unparalleled.”

The prime minister’s delegation includes top executives from BP, Rolls-Royce, BT Group, Diageo, and the Scotch Whisky Association—all sectors expected to benefit from lower tariffs and expanded market access under the deal.

During the visit, Starmer and Modi are set to hold bilateral talks on Thursday to discuss investment, energy transition, and education collaboration, with both governments signaling their intent to ratify and implement the FTA within a year.

In a related development, British Airways announced plans to add a third daily flight from London Heathrow to Delhi by 2026, while Manchester Airport confirmed a new Delhi route to be operated by IndiGo.

The UK delegation also includes representatives from the Scotch Whisky Association, as the trade deal will see whisky tariffs fall from 150% to 75% immediately, before being gradually reduced to 40% over the next decade—a move expected to boost UK exports significantly.

For Starmer, the trip comes at a critical time. His administration faces mounting pressure to revive economic growth ahead of a challenging November fiscal budget, amid concerns about inflation and stagnant productivity.

Analysts see the India trip as both an economic and diplomatic test for Starmer, who is looking to showcase Britain’s ability to secure meaningful trade partnerships beyond the EU.