Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s maiden visit to India signals pragmatism and purpose; India’s openness reflects confidence and global stature
The world is changing fast as new equations are emerging and the old ones are consolidating. With Trump reciprocal tariffs redefining the rules of the international trade it is but natural that countries affected, including India, are warming up to new trade partners and strengthening the old ties to absorb the Trump’s tariff shock.
Interestingly it is not only the developing countries but even the old US allies are also finding difficulty in adjusting to the new world order. The visit of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to India must be seen in this light. It marks a defining moment in the evolving relationship between the two democracies having historical bond. Starmer landed in India with the largest-ever UK trade delegation — 125 CEOs and entrepreneurs. This itself shows Starmer’s agenda: to put in practice the recently signed UK–India trade agreement. His emphasis on swift implementation reflects both urgency and opportunity. With India poised to become the world’s third-largest economy by 2028, and trade between the two nations will be immensely beneficial for both the countries.
For Britain, still overcoming Brexit perils, India represents both a vast market and a strategic ally. For India, deeper engagement with the UK could mean greater access to capital, technology, and skill partnerships — especially in sectors such as clean energy, digital innovation, pharmaceuticals, education, and defence manufacturing.
In recent years, India-UK relations have witnessed both warmth and tension. On the positive side, the two nations elevated their partnership to a comprehensive strategic level in 2021 and launched the “Roadmap 2035”, envisioning collaboration across trade, health, climate, and security.
The vibrant Indian diaspora in Britain — one of the largest and most influential globally — has also served as a bridge of goodwill and shared culture. However, irritants have occasionally clouded the equation. India has expressed concern over the UK’s handling of Khalistani extremism, while Britain has pressed for openness in trade barriers and human rights issues. Despite these differences, both sides have shown maturity in keeping dialogue constructive and forward-looking. Symbolically, Starmer’s first stop at Yash Raj Films underscores the cultural bridge that complements economic ties. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted Starmer in New Delhi, where discussions were positive and constructive as both leaders were keen to take the “Vision 2035” roadmap forward. Keir suggested he wanted India, as a "global player", to take "its rightful place" on the UN Security Council, a long-held goal of India. Starmer also down-played India buying oil from Russia saying PM Modi always advocates early end of hostilities. PM Modi called his visit “historic.” Starmer’s visit comes at a time when global economic power is shifting towards Asia. India needs a trusted western partner and UK a dependable Asian friend. UK–India relations could be a win-win for both in the time geopolitical churn.
