British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is anticipated to visit India within the next few weeks to formally sign the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), a deal hailed as a turning point in the strategic and economic partnership between the two nations.
The upcoming visit follows British Foreign Secretary David Lammy’s official trip to New Delhi, where he held a series of high-level meetings, including one with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The discussion between Modi and Lammy focused on final preparations for the agreement’s signing and charting the future of bilateral cooperation.
Following his meeting with PM Modi, Lammy stressed the significance of the agreement in a public statement: “Building on the FTA between our great countries, we will continue working together to deepen our partnership, celebrate our unique living bridge, and deliver growth and security.”
In addition to his engagement with the Prime Minister, Lammy met External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar for formal diplomatic talks. Jaishankar began the session by acknowledging the UK’s support following the recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. He said: “We practise a policy of zero tolerance against terrorism and expect our partners to understand it. We will never countenance perpetrators of evil being put at par with its victims.”
The Indian minister welcomed the FTA and the Double Contribution Convention, calling them key milestones in bilateral relations. “The recent conclusion of the India-UK FTA and the Double Contribution Convention is truly a milestone which will not only propel our two-way trade and investment but will also have a positive effect on other strategic aspects of our bilateral ties,” Jaishankar stated.
The two sides also reviewed initiatives aimed at enhancing cooperation in advanced technology sectors. These include the Technology Security Initiative (TSI), which promotes collaboration on AI, semiconductors, critical minerals, and health tech, as well as the newly launched Strategic Exports and Technology Cooperation Dialogue.
Another topic of mutual interest was infrastructure financing. Jaishankar noted that the UK-India Infrastructure Finance Bridge could channel long-term capital from Britain into key development sectors in India.
The diplomatic groundwork for this expected visit was laid during a May 6 conversation between the two heads of government. Prime Minister Modi had then described the conclusion of the FTA as a “historic milestone,” stating it would catalyse innovation, trade, and job creation in both countries. “I look forward to welcoming PM Starmer to India soon,” he added.
Prime Minister Starmer also expressed strong support for the agreement, calling it part of the UK’s broader economic agenda to forge stronger international ties and open new trade opportunities. He described the deal as aligning with his government’s goal of reducing global trade barriers and delivering long-term economic stability.
The FTA, which covers both goods and services, is expected to boost bilateral trade, create employment, improve market access, and support innovation. Its signing will mark a major advancement in the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
