I’ve just returned from India, where I had the honour of joining Sir Keir Starmer on the first UK prime ministerial delegation to the country in nine years. It was a landmark visit that sent a powerful message: the UK is serious about its relationship with India.
This trip was particularly significant for me. I’ve had the privilege of accompanying every UK prime minister to India since Tony Blair in 2005, including Gordon Brown, David Cameron, and Theresa May in 2016. Each visit has played its part in strengthening bilateral ties, but this one marked a turning point.
In July, after three and a half years of negotiation, the UK and India signed a historic Free Trade Agreement at Chequers. I was fortunate to be present at that moment - a testament to how far the relationship has come. This agreement lays the foundation for an ambitious and strategic partnership between two of the world’s largest economies.
Sir Keir led one of the most substantial business delegations ever sent to India, comprising 125 business leaders from across sectors like manufacturing, services, finance, academia, and innovation. Delegates included representatives from key organisations such as the Confederation of British Industry (which I formerly led) and the International Chamber of Commerce UK, which I currently chair, along with ministers, university leaders, and members of the press.
The delegation received one of the warmest welcomes I’ve ever witnessed in India. Thousands of posters featuring Sir Keir alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi lined the roads from Mumbai airport to the iconic Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. The reception from the city of Mumbai, the state of Maharashtra, and the Indian government was nothing short of spectacular. The bond between the two prime ministers was visibly strong, a clear reflection of the growing trust between the two nations.
The numbers tell their own story. Bilateral trade between the UK and India currently stands at £43 billion. The UK is the world’s sixth-largest economy; India is fourth and on track to become the third largest within a few years. With a GDP growth rate of 6.5% (and a target of 8%, according to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman at the Kautilya Economic Conference, where I spoke), India is the fastest-growing major economy in the world.
Yet, despite this, India is currently only the UK’s 11th largest trading partner, a figure that doesn’t reflect the full potential of this relationship. I firmly believe that, with the momentum created by the FTA and this prime ministerial visit, we can double bilateral trade in goods and services within five years.
But the opportunity extends well beyond trade. We are entering a new era of investment, education, and technological collaboration. India now permits foreign university campuses, and top-tier UK universities, among the best globally, are preparing to establish a physical presence there. This is a win-win for both nations.
Technology is another area ripe for deeper cooperation whether from fintech and artificial intelligence to identity management. India’s groundbreaking digital infrastructure and the successful implementation of Aadhaar (identity cards for over a billion people) are examples of innovation that could benefit the UK.
India is no longer just an outsourcing destination. It is a strategic partner in research and development, innovation, security, and defence.
The future of UK-India relations is bright. This visit was not just a diplomatic milestone; it was a clear signal that both countries are ready to elevate the relationship to new heights as equals, as allies, and as trusted partners.
