Keir Starmer is embarking on his inaugural trip to India today following the conclusion of a significant trade agreement with Narendra Modi. The Prime Minister will be accompanied by more than 100 UK business leaders and university heads in Mumbai to reinforce the relationship with India. Starmer and Modi recently solidified the deal at Chequers, Buckinghamshire, resulting in a £6 billion investment boost to the UK economy.

Modi expressed that the pact signifies a new era in the shared history of the two nations, with a focus on mutual prosperity. Starmer hailed the agreement as the most substantial economically since Brexit. Once ratified, the deal will reduce tariffs on key UK exports like whisky and gin from 150% to 75%, while average tariffs will drop from 15% to three percent.

This deal comes after three years of unsuccessful attempts to secure a post-Brexit agreement with India, starting from ex-PM Boris Johnson’s unmet promises. Starmer and Modi are set to attend the Global Fintech conference in Mumbai, following Modi’s visit to the UK in July 2025, aiming to strengthen the forward-looking partnership between India and the United Kingdom.

However, questions may arise regarding India’s purchase of Russian oil amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Last month, former US President Donald Trump imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods, including a 25% penalty for engagements with Russia.