Ready to conclude FTA, Starmer tells PM Modi

Ajay Banerjee

New Delhi, July 6

Britain’s newly elected Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday and the two leaders agreed to work towards early conclusion of a mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

A statement from the UK said, “Discussing the Free Trade Agreement, the Prime Minister (Starmer) said he stood ready to conclude a deal that worked for both sides.”

India and the UK have been working on the FTA to enhance the existing £38.1-billion bilateral trade partnership. However, the talks were stalled due to the elections in India and the UK.

Committed to robust economic relations

Pleased to speak with Keir Starmer. Congratulated him on being elected as the PM of the UK. We remain committed to deepening comprehensive strategic partnership and robust India-UK economic ties. — Narendra Modi, Prime Minister

Appreciating the positive contributions of the Indian community in the social, economic and political development of the UK, they agreed to continue to promote the people-to-people ties. There are over 20 Indian-origin MPs who have been elected to the UK’s House of Commons.

PM Modi congratulated Starmer on assuming charge and the victory of the Labour Party in the elections. He also extended an invitation to Starmer for an early visit to India as the two leaders agreed to remain in touch, the statement said.

In a post on X, Modi said, “Pleased to speak with Keir Starmer. Congratulated him on being elected as the Prime Minister of the UK. We remain committed to deepening comprehensive strategic partnership and robust India-UK economic ties for the progress and prosperity of our people and global good.” Starmer has constantly maintained that he wants good ties with India, marking a departure from past policies of the Labour Party (under Jeremy Corbyn) when it had taken a “tough stance” on Kashmir.

Days ahead of the UK elections, Labour Party Chair Anneliese Dodds had said, “We are confident that we have cleansed our ranks of any members with extremist views on India.” The FTA featured in the Labour Party’s poll manifesto which also showed a “commitment to pursue a new strategic partnership” with India. Underscoring his aim to elevate relations with India, Starmer has pledged to forge a new strategic partnership and enhanced bilateral cooperation in technology, security, education and climate change.

During a visit to the UK earlier, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had called on Starmer who was then Leader of Opposition. In May, a comprehensive review of the India-UK ties was carried out during Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra’s two-day visit to London.