Just before departing for India, the pilot on a British Airways flight took on the role of the Commons Speaker to introduce a special guest. Using the familiar “Order, order, order” phrase, he addressed the passengers.
Moments later, the voice of Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, resonated throughout the aircraft. He warmly welcomed everyone aboard flight BA 9100 to Mumbai, highlighting it as the largest trade mission to India ever organized by the UK.
Expressing eagerness to collaborate and explore opportunities under the new free trade agreement, Starmer emphasized the importance of the journey. He assured a safe flight and promised to provide more updates after take-off.
The flight to Mumbai carried 125 high-profile individuals, including CEOs, university vice-chancellors, and cultural leaders, gathered for a mission to strengthen ties with the Indian government led by Narendra Modi.
Starmer’s primary focus during the trip was to promote British businesses and the UK-India trade deal inked at Chequers earlier in the year. This deal marked a significant achievement, especially after Boris Johnson’s unsuccessful attempts.
The visit also aimed at repairing relations with some firms following discontent caused by last year’s Budget tax increases. Starmer was particularly mindful of his rapport with Modi, who made efforts to ensure the Prime Minister felt welcomed during the visit.
Upon landing in Mumbai for his inaugural trip to India, Starmer received a celebrity-like reception, with billboards featuring his and Modi’s faces lining the city’s streets. The vibrant welcome included musicians, dancers, and street performers, a stark contrast to the modest reception of gingerbread and sparkling water offered to Modi during his visit to Chequers.
Despite the cordial ties, the relationship faced challenges, particularly regarding Russia. While Starmer sought to intensify pressure on the Russian President, Modi’s administration continued to purchase discounted Russian oil, used to fund the invasion of Ukraine by Putin.
During a private meeting lasting about 90 minutes at Raj Bhavan, Modi’s state residence in Mumbai, Starmer directly addressed the issue of Russian oil with the Indian PM. This concern was reiterated by Starmer during a press conference at the British Deputy High Commission, concluding the two-day visit.
Modi reciprocated by posting an image with Starmer en route to Mumbai’s Global Fintech Fest, praising their friendship and the vigor of the India-UK relationship. However, Modi’s recent warm birthday greetings to Putin on social media raised questions, to which Starmer clarified his stance against the Russian leader.
As the journey continued, Starmer emphasized his commitment to leading efforts against the Russian “shadow fleet” and building a coalition of willing partners to address global issues.
The visit to India showcased the evolving friendship between the two nations, despite geopolitical complexities and differing stances on international matters.