British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has ruled out any expansion of visa access as part of his two-day visit to India, stressing that his agenda is focused entirely on converting the recently signed UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) into tangible economic benefits.
Speaking to reporters ahead of his talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Starmer said the trade pact will remain “purely about trade and investment.”
“That isn’t part of the plans,” he said when asked about the possibility of expanding visa opportunities. “Businesses are taking advantage of the deal. But the issue is not about visas,” Starmer added, reiterating that Britain’s immigration policy will remain firm.
The Labour leader’s stance reflects the domestic political pressures he faces at home, as his party contends with the rising populist Reform UK movement and heightened public scrutiny over immigration.
While acknowledging the UK’s ongoing need for global talent, Starmer confirmed that there are no new routes planned for Indian tech professionals, particularly after the U.S. recently tightened its H-1B visa regulations under President Donald Trump.
On security and deportation matters, Starmer called India a “non-issue,” noting that both nations already have a returns agreement in place.
“We are looking at whether there should be a link between visas and returns agreements,” he said.
Trade Takes Centre Stage
Starmer is leading a high-level delegation of over 100 British business, cultural, and academic leaders, including representatives from BP, Rolls-Royce, BT, Diageo, and the Scotch Whisky Association.
The FTA, signed in July after nearly three years of negotiations, is one of the most significant post-Brexit trade deals for the UK. It reduces tariffs on goods such as textiles, cars, and whisky and is projected to boost UK-India trade by $34 billion (around £25.5 billion) by 2040, according to Reuters.
Several British companies are already scaling up operations in India.
British Airways plans to launch a third daily flight between London and Delhi by 2026.
Manchester Airport will open a direct route with IndiGo.
The Scotch whisky sector is set to benefit from India’s gradual reduction of import duties from 150% to 40% over the next decade.
Highlighting India’s growing global clout, Starmer described the trade pact as “a launchpad for growth.”
“It’s not just a piece of paper. The opportunities waiting to be seized are unparalleled,” he said, pointing out that India is poised to become the world’s third-largest economy by 2028.
Starmer is scheduled to hold formal talks with Prime Minister Modi on Thursday, where discussions are expected to focus on the timeline for ratifying and implementing the FTA in 2026.
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