Mumbai, India – British Prime Minister Keir Starmer began a two-day visit to India on Wednesday with the aim of building on the trade deal signed between the countries in July.

He was joined by more than 100 leaders from the business, cultural, and university sectors in what the UK government dubbed the largest British trade mission ever.

Upon arrival in Mumbai, Starmer told the trade mission delegates that the deal ‘provides huge opportunities,’ adding that he had asked his team to implement the deal as ‘quickly as humanly possible’.

“Our job is to make it easier for you to seize the opportunities,” Starmer encouraged the businessmen. “On the plane home, I want each of you to tell me what you got out of this trip – a deal, a contact.”

“This is a wonderful opportunity. Let’s go out and seize it,” he added, calling the deal ‘launchpad for growth’.

Starmer to meet Modi on Thursday

Starmer will hold bilateral talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday. Both sides have expressed their intention to ratify the deal and bring it into effect within the next year.

Modi said he was looking forward to Thursday’s meeting with Starmer and advancing bilateral relations.

However, the trade deal will not be the only topic of conversation between the two leaders. Modi’s close relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin may complicate their discussions.

India continues to purchase oil from Moscow despite Western nations’ efforts to boycott Russia’s war machine. As a result, Delhi has faced sanctions from Trump.

DW