United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in Mumbai on Wednesday for his first official visit to India since assuming office.
He was welcomed at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, and Governor Acharya Devvrat.
MEA Official Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal tweets, “A warm welcome to PM Keir Starmer of the United Kingdom! Received by the Governor of Maharashtra and Gujarat, Acharya Devvrat, at the airport. This is PM Starmer’s first visit to India. This visit marks a new chapter in our… pic.twitter.com/yZrLau550D
— ANI (@ANI) October 8, 2025
Starmer’s visit marks a significant step in strengthening bilateral ties, coming just months after India and the UK signed a landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in July.
The British Prime Minister is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Mumbai on Thursday morning at the Raj Bhavan, where both leaders are expected to issue a joint statement outlining the progress and future roadmap of the India–UK strategic partnership.
The visit also comes against the backdrop of recent trade tensions following new tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump, adding greater global context to the talks between New Delhi and London.
According to the UK government’s statement, Starmer will also engage with key business and industry leaders over lunch before attending the Global Fintech Fest at the Jio World Centre in Bandra-Kurla Complex later in the day.
Ahead of his visit, Prime Minister Starmer emphasised the growing importance of India–UK economic relations. “We signed a major trade deal with India in July — the best secured by any country — but the story doesn’t stop there. It’s not just a piece of paper, it’s a launchpad for growth,” he said.
“With India set to become the world’s third-largest economy by 2028, and trade between our countries about to become quicker and cheaper, the opportunities waiting to be seized are unparalleled,” Starmer added.
Highlighting the business delegation accompanying him, the British leader said, “That’s why I’ll be flying the flag for British business alongside 125 of our biggest household names in Mumbai this week — because growth in India for them means more choice, opportunity, and jobs at home for the British people.”
