Keir Starmer's India visit: Eye on $100-billion target, Britain PM brings along 100 biz leaders

Keir Starmer, who has just embarked on a keenly-watched India visit, has been accompanied by more than 100 business leaders from Britain. According to some reports, this is the largest-ever trade mission from the UK to India.

The stated aim of the delegation is to boost the 2025 Free Trade Deal between India and UK, with a target taking bilateral trade to $100 billion by 2030.

The UK Prime Minister arrived in Mumbai on Wednesday ahead of his scheduled meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Starmer, along with his delegation, was received at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, and Governor Acharya Devvrat.

The two leaders are set to meet in Mumbai on Thursday to advance the India–UK strategic partnership. Their agenda includes participation in the CEO Forum and the sixth edition of the Global Fintech Fest.

Modi and Starmer are expected to review the progress of the India–UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, guided by the ‘Vision 2035’ roadmap. Discussions will cover key sectors such as trade and investment, technology and innovation, defence and security, climate and energy, health, education, and cultural exchange.

A central focus of the talks will be the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), seen as a cornerstone of the evolving economic relationship between the two nations. The leaders will also exchange perspectives on regional and global developments and interact with business leaders, policymakers, and innovators to explore new avenues of cooperation.