Mumbai, October 8, 2025 – UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in Mumbai early Wednesday morning, commencing his first official visit to India since assuming office in 2024. The two-day trip is aimed at bolstering economic and strategic ties between the United Kingdom and India.
Starmer was greeted at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, along with Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, and Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat.
The visit is considered a "two-day trade mission to Mumbai" by No. 10 Downing Street and includes a delegation of 125 people, comprising CEOs and representatives from British institutions, universities, and industry groups. Among the delegation are prominent names such as Rolls-Royce, British Airways, Diageo, and representatives from major banks like Standard Chartered, Barclays, NatWest, and HSBC. Minister for Trade and Business Peter Kyle, and Investment Minister Jason Stockwood are also part of the UK delegation.
On Thursday, Starmer is scheduled to meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Mumbai. The leaders are expected to review the progress of the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, guided by "Vision 2035," a ten-year roadmap spanning trade, climate, education, technology, and people-to-people ties. They will also discuss the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), which aims to reduce tariffs on over 90% of goods and explore new investment opportunities.
Both Prime Ministers will attend the 6th edition of the Global Fintech Fest in Mumbai, where they will deliver keynote addresses and engage with industry experts, policymakers, and innovators. The theme of this year's Fintech Fest is "Powered by AI, Augmented Intelligence, Innovation, and Inclusion".
Starmer has emphasized the importance of the India-UK trade deal, calling it a "launchpad for growth". He highlighted that with India projected to be the world's third-largest economy by 2028, the opportunities for British businesses are unparalleled. The UK government anticipates the trade deal could increase bilateral trade by £25.5 billion per year, with UK exports to India growing by nearly 60%.
Ahead of his arrival, Starmer stated his mission is "to deliver for people back at home,". He acknowledged the economic challenges faced by the UK, including low productivity, high national debt and weak economic growth. The Labour government aims to leverage the India-UK partnership to create opportunities, secure investments, and support job creation in Britain.
While in India, Starmer is also expected to address concerns about India's relationship with Russia. Furthermore, he may face questions regarding visa and migration policies, as India seeks increased mobility for its skilled professionals.
