UK PM Keir Starmer Leads Record Trade Delegation to India, Announces Bollywood Filming Pact

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in Mumbai on October 8, 2025, leading a record 125 executives from finance, tech, and culture sectors to advance the UK-India free trade agreement signed in May 2025, which eliminates tariffs on 90% of goods and services. During the visit, Starmer toured Yash Raj Films studios, announcing three Bollywood productions will film in the UK from 2026, generating over 3,000 jobs, and met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss trade ratification, fintech, and strategic partnerships. The mission highlights post-Brexit economic ties amid varied public responses on social media.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in Mumbai with a large business delegation to bolster trade and investment following a landmark free trade pact. Starmer emphasized the economic opportunities and cultural ties, aiming to leverage India’s growing economy for UK prosperity. The visit includes discussions on defense, AI, and cultural exchanges, underscoring a deepening partnership.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visit to Mumbai is a major effort to strengthen trade and economic ties between the UK and India following their landmark Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) signed in July. Leading the UK’s largest-ever trade delegation to India, Starmer’s focus is on securing investments and deals that benefit British businesses and leverage India’s rapidly growing economy. The decision to visit Mumbai, India’s financial hub, instead of Delhi, underscores the priority placed on business and investment.

A ‘Launchpad’ for Economic Growth: The CETA agreement, described by Starmer as a ‘launchpad’ for growth and the UK’s biggest post-Brexit trade achievement, aims to significantly boost bilateral trade. The deal lowers tariffs on a wide range of goods. For instance, India has reduced duties on British scotch whisky, gin, cosmetics, and medical devices, while the UK has lowered taxes on Indian imports like clothing, footwear, gems, and jewellery. This agreement is projected to increase trade by about £25.5 billion ($34 billion) by 2040.

Focus on Investment and Cultural Ties: The large delegation accompanying Starmer includes executives from major companies like Rolls-Royce, British Telecom, and the London Stock Exchange, as well as 15 vice-chancellors of British universities, highlighting education as a key sector for cooperation. The visit also featured a cultural focus, with the announcement of a Bollywood filming pact: Yash Raj Films is set to launch three major productions in the UK starting next year. This blend of economic and cultural exchange emphasizes a deepening, multi-faceted partnership.

Strategic and Global Cooperation: Beyond commerce, the leaders, who will speak at the Global Fintech Fest, are discussing crucial global and strategic issues. These include the US peace plan for Gaza, the Ukraine war, and the geopolitics of the Indo-Pacific region, especially in the context of the AUKUS trilateral defense partnership. This signals a shared vision for a forward-looking and comprehensive strategic relationship.

The Visa Stance and Expert Concerns: Despite the enthusiasm for trade, a point of contention remains the UK’s visa policy. Prime Minister Starmer has explicitly stated that the UK does not plan to relax visa rules for Indian workers or students. This has been called a “mixed message” by some Indian economists, as it dampens expectations for easier professional mobility, a key aspiration for India, particularly for its highly skilled IT professionals facing increasing protectionist barriers elsewhere.