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The United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the UK will not pursue a visa deal with India ahead of his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 9.
Starmer arrived in Mumbai on Wednesday (October 8) along with a business delegation.
"That isn't part of the plans," he told reporters en route to India when asked about visas, adding the visit was "to take advantage of the free trade agreement that we've already struck".
"Businesses are taking advantage of that. But the issue is not about visas."
He said visas would not be on the table to attract tech sector professionals from India, though he said more broadly he wanted to have "top talent" in Britain.
Starmer was greeted at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport by Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy CMs Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, and state Governor Acharya Devvrat.
During the flight, Starmer said, "This is the Prime Minister. I'm in the cockpit, and a very warm welcome to BA flight to 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."
Modi and Starmer will meet to strengthen the India UK strategic partnership. They will attend the CEO Forum and the sixth edition of the Global Fintech Fest in Mumbai.
During their meeting, Modi and Starmer will review progress across various areas of the India–UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, in line with the Vision 2035 roadmap. The discussions will cover key sectors including trade and investment, technology and innovation, defence and security, climate and energy, health, education, and people-to-people ties.
The two leaders are also expected to interact with business and industry representatives to explore opportunities under the proposed India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, envisioned as a cornerstone of the future bilateral economic partnership.
In addition, Modi and Starmer will exchange views on regional and global developments, and engage with industry experts, policymakers, and innovators.
Starmer arrived in Mumbai on Wednesday (October 8) along with a business delegation.
"That isn't part of the plans," he told reporters en route to India when asked about visas, adding the visit was "to take advantage of the free trade agreement that we've already struck".
"Businesses are taking advantage of that. But the issue is not about visas."
He said visas would not be on the table to attract tech sector professionals from India, though he said more broadly he wanted to have "top talent" in Britain.
Starmer was greeted at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport by Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy CMs Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, and state Governor Acharya Devvrat.
During the flight, Starmer said, "This is the Prime Minister. I'm in the cockpit, and a very warm welcome to BA flight to 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."
Modi and Starmer will meet to strengthen the India UK strategic partnership. They will attend the CEO Forum and the sixth edition of the Global Fintech Fest in Mumbai.
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| Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer stands with his business delegation before departing London Heathrow Airport as they head to India to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and promote the recently signed trade deal, in London, Britain.
Source: Pool via REUTERS pic.twitter.com/OtT8PVtRJp
— ANI (@ANI) October 7, 2025
During their meeting, Modi and Starmer will review progress across various areas of the India–UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, in line with the Vision 2035 roadmap. The discussions will cover key sectors including trade and investment, technology and innovation, defence and security, climate and energy, health, education, and people-to-people ties.
The two leaders are also expected to interact with business and industry representatives to explore opportunities under the proposed India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, envisioned as a cornerstone of the future bilateral economic partnership.
In addition, Modi and Starmer will exchange views on regional and global developments, and engage with industry experts, policymakers, and innovators.
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