In a significant diplomatic achievement, outgoing British Prime Minister Keir Starmer successfully concluded the long-anticipated India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) just before announcing his resignation. This landmark deal was finalized during a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the 2026 G7 Summit. Both leaders set July 15 as the date for the implementation of the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), which is poised to considerably enhance the trade relationship between the two countries, currently valued at approximately £48 billion annually.
Starmer, who has been a consistent advocate for strengthening ties with India, prioritized the trade agreement as a central goal of his administration. He hailed the deal as a significant opportunity for economic growth, emphasizing India’s burgeoning global economic role and the mutual benefits of streamlined and cost-effective trade between the nations. Under his leadership, the Labour Party has been committed to deepening collaboration with India across various sectors, including trade, security, education, technology, and climate initiatives.
Since taking over as Labour leader after the party’s defeat in the 2019 elections, Starmer has worked diligently to reconnect with the British Indian community and foster a robust partnership with India. Before entering the political arena, he had a distinguished career in law and served as the Director of Public Prosecutions. Starmer rose to the position of Prime Minister following Labour’s overwhelming victory in the 2024 elections. Despite early achievements in stabilizing the economy and pushing forward domestic reforms, his tenure was later marred by policy challenges and political setbacks, which eroded his standing.
In his heartfelt resignation speech, Starmer acknowledged that his parliamentary party no longer saw him as the right leader to guide Labour into the forthcoming general election. He expressed respect and gratitude for their decision, marking the end of a notable era in British politics. This development concludes a significant chapter not only in Starmer’s career but also in the UK’s diplomatic and economic engagements with India.