UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in Mumbai on Wednesday with a massive delegation of more than 100 British business, academic and cultural leaders. His two-day visit marks the first step in putting the newly signed UK-India free trade agreement (FTA) into action.
As Starmer boarded his flight to India, he grabbed the intercom from the cockpit and greeted his fellow travellers. In a light-hearted moment later shared on Instagram, he welcomed everyone to “BA flight 9100 to Mumbai” and said he was eager to make the most of the historic deal.
The 125-member team joining him includes top business leaders, entrepreneurs, and university vice-chancellors. Starmer described it as the biggest trade mission the UK has ever sent to India.
He stressed that the landmark FTA, finalised in July after three years of talks, will open new doors for both countries. The agreement removes tariffs on over 90% of UK goods, creating fresh opportunities for trade and investment.
Starmer said the deal will boost wages, raise living standards, and lower prices for consumers. For him, the visit is about ensuring British companies seize these benefits and strengthen ties with one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.
