Britain is celebrating the creation of 6,900 new jobs thanks to £1.3 billion in cross-sector investments from 64 Indian companies. The announcement, made during Prime Minister Keir Starmer's visit to Mumbai, highlights the strengthening economic ties between the UK and India and demonstrates the UK's attractiveness as a global business destination.

Downing Street officials have expressed that these deals, finalized during Starmer's trade mission, serve as a significant vote of confidence in the UK economy. They also emphasize the positive impact the UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is already having on investor confidence, even before its official ratification by the British Parliament. The FTA aims to reduce tariffs on imports between the two nations significantly, boosting bilateral trade and creating new employment opportunities.

The Indian investments span a diverse range of sectors, including next-generation electric motorbikes, semiconductors, agricultural innovation, artificial intelligence, and education technology. This influx of capital is expected to drive growth and innovation across the UK, benefiting various regions from Basingstoke to Birmingham.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer conveyed his enthusiasm for the new opportunities arising from the UK-India partnership. "These investments are a powerful endorsement of the UK's global standing and economic potential," Starmer stated from his London office. He added that the nearly 7,000 new jobs across the country would translate to "more opportunities, more innovation, and make working people better off".

Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle echoed this sentiment, noting India's position as the world's fourth-largest economy. He emphasized the vast opportunities available for British businesses, evidenced by billions of pounds invested in sectors like AI, education, and financial services.

Several specific Indian investments were highlighted:

• TVS Motors: Investing £250 million in Solihull to expand Norton Motorcycles operations and develop electric vehicles, creating 1,350 jobs.
• Cyient: Investing £100 million to enhance innovation in semiconductors, clean energy, and other digital domains, generating 300 jobs.
• Muthoot Finance UK Limited: Investing £100 million to expand its branch network, creating 80 new jobs.

The UK-India Technology Security Initiative, launched in July of the previous year, is also playing a role in fostering collaboration in key and emerging technologies. A significant portion of the confirmed investments falls under the priority areas of this initiative, with a focus on artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and biotechnology.

These investments are seen as the beginning of a new era of collaboration between the UK and India. The strengthened economic partnership is expected to benefit both nations, fostering innovation, creating jobs, and driving economic growth.