UK PM Keir Starmer hosts indian business leaders to boost investments
London, Dec 19 – British Prime Minister Keir Starmer hosted a delegation of 13 prominent Indian companies at 10 Downing Street in London on Wednesday as part of a “curated visit” aimed at strengthening UK-India ties and enhancing bilateral investment flows.
This high-profile visit comes on the heels of Starmer’s recent meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the G20 Summit in New Delhi, where both leaders committed to advancing the UK-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The partnership seeks collaboration across key sectors, including economic growth, security, defence, technology, climate, health, and education.
Strengthening the economic partnership
Addressing the delegation, Starmer highlighted the importance of India as a key partner for the UK, stating:
“India is a vital partner for the UK, and we have huge ambition to unlock more opportunities together, building on our already strong relationship. I’m delighted to welcome some of India’s most senior business leaders to Downing Street and to outline the UK’s ambitious focus on economic growth and innovation.”
The Indian delegation, supported by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), engaged with senior Cabinet ministers, including Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves and Foreign Secretary David Lammy. Discussions centred on job creation and growth opportunities tied to the proposed India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which Starmer confirmed will see negotiations relaunch early in the new year.
Trade and investment opportunities
Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds underlined the significance of the UK’s trade relationship with India, which is worth £42 billion annually and supports over 600,000 jobs across both nations.
“As one of the most globally connected economies in the G20, the UK provides unmatched opportunities for Indian businesses to thrive. India already accounts for the second-highest number of foreign direct investment (FDI) projects into the UK, and this government is committed to deepening our trade and investment links with India even further,” Reynolds said.
The delegation represented companies that have collectively invested over £10 billion into the UK, employing tens of thousands of people across the country.
Indian businesses eye greater collaboration
The delegation was led by Sunil Bharti Mittal, founder and chairman of Bharti Enterprises, which made a significant investment in BT Group earlier this year. Mittal underscored the strategic importance of the visit, noting:
“This business delegation comes at a pivotal moment, as India stands as the fastest-growing large economy and is on track to become a $5 trillion economy by 2027. Over time, India-UK relations have developed into a robust, multifaceted partnership built on historical ties, economic synergy, and increasing geopolitical alignment.”
Mittal also emphasised the potential for mutual growth through the ongoing FTA negotiations, expressing optimism about the opportunities they present. “We shall seek guidance from Prime Minister Starmer on the sectors that may exhibit better collaboration opportunities,” he added.
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Delegation highlights
The delegation featured representatives from major Indian companies, including Bharat Semi Systems, Biocon Group, Blue Star Limited, Essar Group, Hero Enterprise, Jet Synthesis, Piramal Group, Reliance Industries, Tata Steel, TVS Motor Company, TVS Supply Chain Solutions, and UPL Limited.
The visit concluded with a reception hosted by the High Commission of India in London, further cementing the importance of the bilateral relationship.
A Strategic moment for UK-India relations
With India emerging as the world’s fastest-growing large economy, the timing of the delegation’s visit is critical. The UK hopes to position itself as a top destination for Indian investment, particularly as both nations aim to navigate complex geopolitical and economic landscapes.
The relaunch of FTA negotiations and the continued collaboration between Indian and British businesses signal a promising future for this historic partnership.
