MUMBAI — UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer on Thursday hailed the new UK-India trade deal as a “launchpad” for stronger economic and diplomatic ties following a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Mumbai.

The two leaders met to discuss expanding business, education, and climate cooperation after signing the landmark trade agreement in July, described by Starmer as “the most ambitious trade deal India has ever done.”

“This trade deal is a launchpad to boost British leadership in everything from tech, to life sciences, to renewable energy and much more beyond that,” Starmer said at a press conference.

“The opportunity is clear — just look at the sheer scale of India, the world’s largest democracy on track to become the third-largest economy by 2028.”

Starmer arrived in India with the UK’s largest-ever trade delegation, including more than 100 CEOs, entrepreneurs, university leaders, and cultural figures, as part of a two-day visit to India’s financial capital.

During their meeting, the two prime ministers also discussed Russia’s war in Ukraine, stability in the Indo-Pacific, and energy cooperation. Starmer confirmed that he raised concerns about India’s continued purchases of Russian oil.

“Yes, we did discuss that this morning with Prime Minister Modi, and we each went through the steps we're taking to bring about a resolution of the conflict,” Starmer told reporters.

Modi, who has previously described himself as a “friend” of Russian President Vladimir Putin, has said that the conflict should end through “dialogue and diplomacy.”

Thousands of banners featuring Starmer and Modi lined the streets of Mumbai to mark the visit, reflecting the growing importance of the bilateral partnership.

On Thursday, Starmer announced that two more UK universities — Lancaster and Surrey — will open campuses in India, joining a growing list of British institutions expanding their footprint in the country.

“I’m delighted that more Indian students will be able to benefit from a world-class British education in the near future strengthening the ties between our two countries while pumping millions back into our economy,” Starmer said.

The government estimates the initiative will bring a £50 million boost to the UK economy.

The UK-India trade deal — which is yet to be formally implemented — has already generated £1 billion in investment and created nearly 7,000 jobs in the UK, according to Downing Street.

Under the agreement, the UK will cut tariffs on Indian imports such as clothing, footwear, and seafood, while India will reduce duties on Scotch whisky, cosmetics, medical devices, and luxury cars.

Starmer’s visit also included a meeting with Nandan Nilekani, founder of India’s digital ID system, amid the UK government’s plans to introduce a similar system for workers, a policy that has sparked a petition signed by more than 2.8 million people.

Despite the controversy, Downing Street insists the move will help combat illegal employment and modernize Britain’s digital governance. — BBC