Keir Starmer, the outgoing British Prime Minister, has marked a notable diplomatic achievement by finalizing the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) just before stepping down from his position. This agreement was solidified during a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the 2026 G7 Summit. The two leaders settled on July 15 as the launch date for the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), which is anticipated to significantly enhance the trade relationship between the two nations, currently valued at approximately £48 billion per year.
Throughout his tenure, Starmer was a strong proponent of strengthening ties with India, making the trade deal a central goal of his administration. He hailed the agreement as a substantial opportunity for economic advancement, emphasizing India’s growing influence on the global stage and the advantages of more streamlined and cost-effective trade between the UK and India. Since assuming leadership of the Labour Party after its 2019 electoral defeat, Starmer worked diligently to foster connections with the British Indian community and pursued a robust partnership with India.
Under Starmer’s leadership, the Labour Party committed to deepening cooperation with India across various sectors, including trade, security, education, technology, and climate change initiatives. Before entering the political arena, Starmer had a prominent legal career and served as the Director of Public Prosecutions. He ascended to the role of Prime Minister following Labour’s sweeping victory in the 2024 elections. While initially successful in stabilizing the economy and implementing domestic reforms, Starmer’s position was ultimately undermined by a series of policy challenges and political hurdles.
In his resignation speech, Starmer reflected on his tenure and the challenges that led to his departure, candidly acknowledging that his parliamentary colleagues no longer viewed him as the appropriate leader to guide Labour into the next general election. He expressed his acceptance of their decision with respect and gratitude, marking the end of a notable era in British politics.