India Welcomes Keir Starmer With Warmth and Culture Ahead of Diwali and FTA Talks
A Traditional Welcome in Mumbai
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer received a heartfelt and cultural welcome in Mumbai as he lit diyas ahead of Diwali, symbolizing the strong and growing ties between India and the United Kingdom.
- The moment was captured in a video shared by MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on X (formerly Twitter).
- The clip showed billboards across Mumbai, featuring PM Narendra Modi and PM Starmer, reading “Warm Welcome”.
- Diyas, traditionally lit during Diwali, were used to showcase mutual respect and shared cultural values.
Visuals from Mumbai: Banners and Billboards
The 39-second video posted by the MEA:
- Featured welcome messages on Marine Drive and other key Mumbai locations.
- Highlighted the vibrant display of UK-India friendship with joint flags and photos of both leaders.
- Included a subtitle: “Welcoming PM Keir Starmer of UK to India.”
Trade Talks: UK’s Largest Trade Mission to India
In a significant economic gesture, PM Starmer led the UK’s largest-ever trade delegation to India.
At an industry interaction in Mumbai, Starmer emphasized:
- “This is the biggest trade mission that the United Kingdom has ever sent to India.”
- The visit is a “return leg” of PM Modi’s trip to the UK earlier this year.
UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) – A Historic Deal
The UK-India FTA, signed in July 2024, marks a new era in bilateral trade.
Key highlights of the deal:
- Expected to boost annual trade by £25.5 billion.
- Major tariff cuts on:
- Textiles
- Whisky
- Automobiles
- Aims to create thousands of jobs in:
- Textiles & leather
- Sports goods
- Engineering
Starmer said: “It’s the biggest deal we’ve struck since leaving the EU — and likely the biggest India has ever signed.”
Personal Touch: Starmer’s Mumbai Selfie Moment
At the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Starmer added a light-hearted moment to the visit by taking a selfie with a disposable camera, drawing smiles from attendees and breaking the ice with local business leaders.
PM Modi’s Warm Reception & Official Welcome
Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Starmer on X, writing:
“Welcome Prime Minister Keir Starmer on your historic first visit to India with the largest ever trade delegation from the UK. Looking forward to our meeting tomorrow for advancing our shared vision of a stronger, mutually prosperous future.”
On arrival at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Starmer was received by:
- Governor Acharya Devvrat
- CM Devendra Fadnavis
- Deputy CMs Eknath Shinde & Ajit Pawar
The MEA added:
“This visit marks a new chapter in our strong and dynamic India-UK partnership.”
