SDG 8: Decent Work & Economic Growth | SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Institutions: Ministry of Commerce & Industry | Ministry of External Affairs
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has launched his first major trade mission to India, leading a 125-strong delegation of CEOs, entrepreneurs, university VCs, and cultural figures over a two-day visit to Mumbai. This comes in the wake of the UK–India Free Trade Agreement signed in July 2025, which reduces tariffs and expands market access for British goods and services under a framework that is described as “the best agreement ever secured by any country with India.”
Members of the delegation include global firms such as Rolls-Royce, BT, Diageo, British Airways, and the London Stock Exchange, signaling the mission’s emphasis on high-value sectors and services. The mission seeks to unlock new business opportunities, seal investment deals, and ensure growth that “delivers jobs for the British people.” It also aims to deepen UK-India economic ties beyond the FTA, with a special push for SME participation, enabled by smoother customs, digital trade commitments, and dedicated support channels.
The press release states that the trade agreement is projected to generate £4.8 billion annually for the UK, boost wages by £2.2 billion, and increase UK exports to India by nearly 60%, while raising bilateral trade to £25.5 billion per year.
This mission is a concrete implementation step in the UK government’s post-FTA strategy, signaling that the deal is not merely symbolic but a platform for deeper commercial engagement. The UK is positioning itself to lock in first-mover advantage in sectors likely to grow in India, such as infrastructure, clean energy, digital services, and higher education.
Key Implications for India:
Tariff Sensitivity: Certain tariff relaxations could pressure India’s domestic producers in high-value manufacturing and spirits sectors; managing reciprocity through Make in India incentives will be key.
Services Expansion: UK’s digital-trade and legal-services provisions may spur liberalization debates, especially regarding cross-border data and professional mobility.
Investment Channels: The mission’s push for institutional investors (London Stock Exchange, pension funds) opens scope for Indian infrastructure and green-energy financing under GIFT City frameworks.
Regional Opportunity: State-level trade engagement could accelerate; Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Karnataka are expected to see first-wave investment dialogues.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders:
How can India ensure that the opportunities unlocked through this mission benefit not just multinational firms but also local enterprises, technology startups, and job creation in under-connected regions?
Read full press release: UK Prime Minister embarks on first major trade mission to India