UK and India Strengthen Trade Ties Amid Global Economic Uncertainty

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated their July trade agreement in Mumbai with a display of 5,700 billboards across the city. Starmer arrived with a delegation of 126 business executives and academics, humorously noting the need for a larger aircraft. The agreement, hailed as "a huge win" by Starmer, aims to provide stability and certainty in an increasingly volatile global trade environment.

The leaders face mounting pressures from external economic forces. Former US President Donald Trump's tariffs on exports and restrictions on skilled worker visas have particularly impacted India's service sector. Meanwhile, Modi has been navigating complex relationships with Russia and China while managing trade tensions with the US.

Britain's diplomatic efforts, including hosting TRUMP for a state visit last month, have helped mitigate some tariff impacts. However, both nations continue to seek economic anchors through bilateral agreements like this one, which Starmer emphasized creates crucial opportunities for two of the world's major democracies.