UK PM Keir Starmer Leads Britain’s Largest Trade Mission to India

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer kicked off Britain’s biggest-ever trade mission to India with a playful in-flight address from the cockpit of British Airways Flight 9100, ahead of high-level talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to boost bilateral trade and investment.

“This is your Prime Minister in the cockpit,” Starmer quipped over the intercom, welcoming passengers and business leaders onboard. “It’s really fantastic to have you all onboard. This is the biggest trade mission to India that the UK has ever sent. I’m looking forward to working with you as we explore all the opportunities in our new free trade agreement.” The clip of the mid-air message was later shared by Starmer on Instagram, underlining both his humor and hands-on approach.

With more than 125 business leaders and executives accompanying him, the Prime Minister’s message symbolized the take-off of a major economic partnership between London and New Delhi.

The two-day visit, at the invitation of PM Modi, will include discussions on the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership under the “Vision 2035” roadmap. This 10-year plan, agreed alongside the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in July, aims to strengthen cooperation across trade, investment, technology, and innovation.

Central to the Modi-Starmer talks is the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), the FTA framework that will remove tariffs on over 90% of goods once ratified by the UK Parliament. The agreement is expected to open new avenues for British businesses in India while enhancing bilateral trade and economic growth.

Richard Heald, Chair of the UK India Business Council (UKIBC) and a member of the prime ministerial delegation, emphasized the significance of the visit. “The UK prime minister’s visit to India comes at a pivotal moment in the evolution of our bilateral relationship, defined increasingly by partnership, shared prosperity, and mutual respect,” Heald said. “The UK-India corridor stands as one of the most promising economic relationships globally, and we look forward to supporting its continued growth—grounded in innovation, opportunity, and mutual ambition.”

Heald is also scheduled to address a session on Indian entry strategies for UK SMEs, highlighting opportunities for small and medium enterprises to expand in the Indian market.

This historic mission marks a new chapter in India-UK relations, combining strategic diplomacy with a focus on trade, investment, and technological collaboration, strengthening one of the most promising economic partnerships in the world.