As his tenure comes to a close, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has marked a significant achievement on the international stage by finalizing the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA). This landmark deal, secured through discussions with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the G7 Summit in 2026, sets July 15 as the launch date for the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). The agreement is poised to bolster the existing trade relationship between the two nations, which currently boasts an annual value of approximately £48 billion.
Starmer, who has been an advocate for strengthening ties with India, prioritized the trade agreement as a central goal of his administration. He emphasized the prospect of economic growth that this deal represents, citing India’s burgeoning influence on the global economic stage. The agreement promises to facilitate more accessible and cost-effective trade between the UK and India, marking a significant step in economic diplomacy.
Since taking the helm of the Labour Party following its defeat in the 2019 elections, Starmer has been dedicated to rekindling relationships with the British Indian community and fostering enhanced collaboration with India. His leadership saw Labour commit to broadening cooperation in areas such as trade, security, education, technology, and climate initiatives. Starmer’s background as a prominent legal figure and his role as Director of Public Prosecutions preceded his ascension to Prime Minister after Labour’s sweeping victory in the 2024 elections.
Despite early achievements in economic stabilization and domestic reform, Starmer’s administration faced mounting policy challenges and political hurdles that eventually undermined his position. In a heartfelt resignation speech, Starmer acknowledged that the parliamentary members of his party no longer supported his leadership for the upcoming general election. He expressed his acceptance of their decision with gratitude, marking the conclusion of a notable chapter in British politics.