• British PM Keir Starmer leads a significant delegation to India to promote a new trade agreement.
• The UK-India Free Trade Agreement aims to boost bilateral trade by 25.5 billion pounds by 2040.
• Visa policies for Indian workers remain a challenging topic amid rising anti-immigrant sentiment in the UK.
• India's PM Modi and Starmer emphasize mutual growth and cooperation in technology and emerging sectors.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has commenced a two-day visit to India with a delegation of over 125 business leaders, aimed at reinforcing the recently signed UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA). This trade deal, which was finalized in July, is anticipated to significantly boost bilateral trade by 25.5 billion pounds ($34 billion) by 2040. Starmer referred to the agreement as "not just a piece of paper, it's a launchpad for growth," highlighting the potential for economic advancement between the two nations, according to Reuters.

The UK-India FTA is expected to lower tariffs on various goods, including textiles and whisky, further facilitating market access for businesses on both sides. Starmer's visit coincides with rising global trade tensions spurred by recent U.S. tariffs, and both leaders expect this agreement to mitigate some of those impacts by strengthening economic ties. Modi remarked that the partnership marks "a roadmap for shared progress and shared prosperity," indicating mutual confidence in the trade deal's potential benefits, according to India Times and Al Jazeera.

During discussions, Starmer faced inquiries regarding potential expansions in visa access for Indian professionals amid the backdrop of rising anti-immigrant sentiment in the UK. He acknowledged that while the focus of the trip is on trade, the current visa situation remains unchanged with respect to the FTA. Starmer stated, "It’s about business-to-business engagement and investment and jobs coming into the UK," signaling a careful approach to immigration debates during his visit, according to South China Morning Post and India Times.

Both leaders also announced new initiatives such as the establishment of a connectivity and innovation center, alongside a joint center for artificial intelligence, reinforcing their commitment to technological collaboration. Modi emphasized that the trade deal is anticipated to generate numerous job opportunities while enhancing the capabilities of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in both countries. Starmer echoed these sentiments, reiterating that the trade agreement represents a significant economic opportunity for both nations, according to India Times and Reuters.