First High-Level Discussion After India-UK FTA Agreement
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a special meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Mumbai on Thursday. The meeting aimed to further strengthen bilateral relations between India and the United Kingdom.
This was the first high-level discussion between the two leaders since the signing of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) nearly two and a half months ago. The talks mainly focused on enhancing cooperation in the fields of defence, security, trade, and critical technology.
Starmer’s Two-Day Visit to India with Business Delegation
UK PM Keir Starmer arrived in Mumbai on Wednesday for a two-day visit accompanied by a delegation of 125 top business leaders, entrepreneurs, and academics from the UK.
The visit underlines Britain’s intention to deepen strategic and economic ties with India, particularly in the wake of the successful FTA agreement.
FTA Described as a ‘Launchpad for Growth’
The India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) was finalized in July during PM Modi’s visit to London. The deal is expected to boost market access, reduce tariffs significantly, and double bilateral trade by 2030.
During his first visit to India after the FTA signing, PM Keir Starmer described the agreement as a “launchpad for growth” between the two nations.
He said, “We signed a major trade deal with India in July, which serves as a launchpad for mutual growth. India is poised to become the world’s third-largest economy by 2028, and faster, cheaper trade with India opens up unmatched opportunities for both our countries.”
Discussion on Extradition and Khalistan-Linked Issues Likely
According to diplomatic sources, India is expected to raise several key and sensitive issues during the talks. Among them are the extradition of economic fugitives like Vijay Mallya and Nirav Modi from the UK to India.
New Delhi is also likely to express its concerns over Khalistan-linked extremist activities operating from British soil. The meeting between PM Modi and PM Starmer is seen as a significant step toward addressing long-pending matters and building a stronger India-UK partnership based on trust, trade, and technology.
