UK Rules Out Visa Relaxation for Indians Amid Trade Boost
Keir Starmer India Visit: UK Whisky, Cars, and Indian Textiles Benefit From New Trade Deal
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has confirmed that the UK will not relax visa rules for Indian workers or students, even as he leads one of the largest trade delegations to India in recent history. The announcement came during the highly anticipated Keir Starmer India visit, where he is showcasing the benefits of a newly signed trade deal intended to strengthen cultural and economic ties between the two nations.
Starmer arrived in Mumbai with a delegation of more than 100 entrepreneurs, university leaders, and cultural figures, marking what he described as the “single biggest trade mission ever” to India. While stressing that “massive opportunities” exist for businesses on both sides, the prime minister firmly stated that immigration rules remain unchanged.
“Visas played no part in the trade deal with India and that situation has not changed,” Starmer told reporters on his flight to Mumbai. “No business leaders I’ve spoken to have raised the issue of visas. This visit is about providing opportunities for Indian businesses to take advantage of the deal.”
The UK-India Trade Deal: Whisky, Cars, and Textiles
The trade agreement, signed in July after years of negotiation, is expected to deliver a multi-billion-pound boost to both economies. UK whisky and cars will now be cheaper to export to India, while Indian jewellery and textiles will enjoy easier access to the UK market. A three-year exemption on social security contributions for Indian employees on short-term UK visas was also included.
However, ministers emphasized that the Labour government, which recently unveiled a stricter immigration policy at its party conference, is determined to cut overall immigration levels.
Cultural and Business Partnerships
Beyond trade, the Keir Starmer India visit also focused on cultural diplomacy. In a landmark announcement, Bollywood giant Yash Raj Films confirmed it will produce three movies in the UK starting in 2026, ending an eight-year absence. The move is expected to create 3,000 jobs and inject millions into the UK economy.
Akshaye Widhani, CEO of Yash Raj Films, praised the UK’s infrastructure and talent:
“The UK holds a very special place in our hearts. Its technology and creative landscape are unmatched, and we are delighted to deepen our cultural ties with a country that has always empowered us to excel creatively.”
In addition, British Airways revealed plans to launch a third daily flight between Delhi and Heathrow next year, while Manchester Airport announced a new direct route to Delhi—further evidence of expanding connectivity between the two nations.
UK: Diplomatic Tightrope
During his two-day visit, Starmer is expected to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Asked whether he would raise concerns about India’s purchases of Russian oil, Starmer reiterated the UK’s focus on clamping down on Russia’s “shadow fleet” of unregulated tankers.
On the sensitive case of Jagtar Singh Johal, a British Sikh man imprisoned in India for seven years without conviction, Starmer said consular matters are “always raised at every level.”
The prime minister also distanced himself from Modi’s recent message of birthday greetings to Russian President Vladimir Putin, stressing:
“Just for the record, I haven’t sent birthday congratulations to Putin, nor am I going to. I don’t suppose that comes as a surprise.”
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