Mumbai, Oct 8: UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in Mumbai earlier today at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport for his first official visit to India. He was welcomed by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, and Governor Acharya Devvrat.
During the two day visit, Starmer will hold meetings with senior Indian government officials and business leaders to strengthen bilateral trade and diplomatic ties between India and the UK. A key highlight of the visit will be his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Raj Bhavan on Thursday morning. The leaders are expected to issue a joint communiqué detailing progress in the India UK strategic partnership.
Starmer will also engage with top industry representatives over lunch before attending the Global Fintech Fest at the Jio World Centre, Bandra-Kurla Complex. Ahead of his visit, Starmer emphasized the economic potential, saying the July India UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is “not just a piece of paper; it’s a launchpad for growth,” highlighting India’s expected rise as the third largest global economy by 2028.
The landmark FTA, signed in July, eliminates duties on 95% of Indian farm exports, including dairy products, edible oils, apples, and oats, allowing them to enter the UK duty free. Simultaneously, the deal reduces import duties on several British products. Whisky tariffs, for example, will fall from 150% to 40% over the next decade, while duties on UK made cars will drop from over 100% to 10% within a quota, benefiting luxury brands like Range Rover, Aston Martin, Bentley, and Rolls-Royce.
The agreement also cuts tariffs on British cosmetics, skincare, personal care products, chocolates, and biscuits, making brands such as The Body Shop, Charlotte Tilbury, Molton Brown, and Boots more affordable for Indian consumers.
Starmer remarked, “Growth in India for British businesses means more choice, opportunity, and jobs at home. This visit underscores our commitment to deepening economic and strategic ties with India.”