Nation

IIE DIGITAL DESK : United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer has ruled out the possibility of pursuing any visa agreement with India ahead of his highly anticipated meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Mumbai on October 9. The announcement came just hours before Starmer landed in India on Wednesday, October 8, leading a large business delegation on what has been described as the biggest trade mission the United Kingdom has ever sent to India. His visit marks a crucial step toward strengthening the India–UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership under the Vision 2035 roadmap, with the spotlight firmly on trade, investment, and innovation rather than migration or visa-related discussions.

Speaking to reporters while en route to Mumbai, Starmer made his stance clear when questioned about the possibility of a new visa deal for Indian professionals. “That isn’t part of the plans,” he said, adding that the purpose of his visit was “to take advantage of the free trade agreement that we’ve already struck.” He emphasized that British businesses are already benefiting from the trade deal and that his current mission is focused on expanding commercial ties and maximizing mutual economic benefits. “Businesses are taking advantage of that. But the issue is not about visas,” he reiterated, making it evident that immigration policy would not form part of the discussion with his Indian counterpart.

Starmer also noted that while the UK remains open to welcoming “top talent” from around the world, including India, this visit was not about creating special visa pathways or mobility arrangements for professionals in the tech sector or any other field. His remarks signal a calculated approach to balance the UK’s growing need for skilled professionals with domestic sensitivities surrounding immigration policies.

Upon arrival at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Starmer was received with a ceremonial welcome by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, and Governor Acharya Devvrat. His arrival underscored the growing importance of sub-national diplomacy in India–UK relations, as Maharashtra continues to be a hub for global investment and trade collaboration.

During the flight, Starmer addressed the passengers and members of his delegation from the cockpit of the British Airways flight, saying, “This is the Prime Minister. I’m in the cockpit, and a very warm welcome to BA flight 9100 to Mumbai. It’s really fantastic to have you all onboard. This is the biggest trade mission to India that the UK has ever sent, so I’m much looking forward to working with you as we explore all of the opportunities and take full advantage of the opportunities in our new free trade agreement. So, safe flight everybody.” His remarks reflected the enthusiasm and optimism surrounding the strengthening of bilateral commercial cooperation following the signing of the new trade pact earlier this year.

Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Starmer are scheduled to meet in Mumbai to review the progress of the India–UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and to chart the next phase of collaboration under the Vision 2035 roadmap. The leaders will attend the CEO Forum and the sixth edition of the Global Fintech Fest, where they are expected to interact with top business leaders, innovators, and policymakers from both nations. Discussions are expected to cover a wide range of key sectors including trade and investment, technology and innovation, defence and security, climate action, renewable energy, health, education, and cultural exchange.

The two leaders will also explore opportunities within the framework of the proposed India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, envisioned as a cornerstone of the future economic partnership between the two countries. This agreement aims to significantly expand bilateral trade and investment flows, create new business opportunities, and reinforce the shared commitment to sustainable economic growth.

In addition to economic and strategic discussions, Modi and Starmer are expected to exchange views on pressing regional and global issues, including the evolving geopolitical landscape, security in the Indo-Pacific region, and global climate challenges. Their engagement will also involve consultations with industry experts, entrepreneurs, and senior officials to identify practical pathways for cooperation in emerging technologies and green innovation.

Starmer’s visit to India, his first as Prime Minister, marks a defining moment in the ongoing evolution of India–UK relations. By explicitly ruling out a visa deal while emphasizing trade, innovation, and strategic collaboration, he has sought to steer the bilateral partnership toward tangible economic outcomes and future-focused development goals. The meeting between Modi and Starmer is expected to reaffirm the shared vision of both nations to build a modern, forward-looking partnership rooted in democratic values, mutual prosperity, and global cooperation.