Starmer woos Indian business leaders in Downing Street summit​

PRIME MINISTER Keir Starmer hosted a delegation of 13 Indian companies at 10 Downing Street in London on what the British government described as a “curated visit” to enhance the bilateral partnership and boost investment flows.

The visit on Wednesday (18) follows Starmer’s meeting with Indian prime minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the G20 Summit last month, when the leaders committed to take forward an “ambitious” UK-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with collaboration opportunities on economic growth, security and defence, technology, climate, health, and education.

According to a readout from the British High Commission in New Delhi, the Indian investors and CEOs also met senior Cabinet ministers to discuss job creation and growth opportunities under a proposed India-UK trade deal after Starmer had confirmed the relaunch of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations early in the new year.

“India is a vital partner for the UK and we have huge ambition to unlock more opportunities together, building on our already strong relationship,” said Starmer, with reference to the business meeting.

“I’m delighted to welcome some of India’s most senior business leaders to Downing Street and to outline the UK’s ambitious focus on economic growth and innovation."

The delegation, supported by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), discussed deepening ties with chancellor Rachel Reeves and foreign secretary David Lammy. Meanwhile, business and trade secretary Jonathan Reynolds and minister for trade policy Douglas Alexander discussed bilateral trade, worth £42 billion a year and supporting over 600,000 jobs across both economies as per UK government statistics.

“As one of the most globally connected economies in the G20, the UK provides unmatched opportunities for Indian businesses to thrive. India already accounts for the second highest number of FDI projects into the UK, and this government is committed to deepening our trade and investment links with India even further,” said Reynolds.

“Boosting investment is a mission at the heart of this government. It was great to hear first-hand from Indian business leaders on why so many of them have given us a vote of confidence and chosen to invest here,” he said.

The companies represented are said to have collectively invested over £10bn into the UK and employ tens of thousands of people across the country. The delegation was led by Sunil Bharti Mittal, founder and chairman of Bharti Enterprises which completed a major investment in the BT Group this year.

“This business delegation comes at a pivotal moment, as India stands as the fastest-growing large economy and is on track to become a $5 trillion economy by 2027. Over time, India-UK relations have developed into a robust, multifaceted partnership built on historical ties, economic synergy, and increasing geopolitical alignment,” said Mittal.

“The India-UK Free Trade Agreement negotiations present significant opportunities for mutual growth and cooperation. We are optimistic that this delegation will pave the way for numerous successful business collaborations. We shall seek guidance from prime minister Starmer on the sectors that may exhibit better collaboration opportunities,” he said.

Other companies represented at the meeting included Bharat Semi Systems, Biocon Group, Blue Star Limited, Essar Group, Hero Enterprise, Jet Synthesis, Piramal Group, Reliance Industries, Tata Steel, TVS Motor Company, TVS Supply Chain Solutions and UPL Limited. The delegation concluded their tour with a reception hosted by the High Commission of India in London.

(PTI)