UK PM Keir Starmer to make his first official visit to India on October 8, 9

**UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to Visit India on October 8 for a Two-Day Official Visit**

United Kingdom (UK) Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to embark on a two-day visit to India on October 8, responding to an invitation from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, according to news agency ANI citing the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). This will mark Starmer’s first official trip to India since assuming office.

On October 9, both Prime Ministers will be in Mumbai to review the progress of the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership under Vision 2035. This partnership is a focused 10-year roadmap encompassing programmes and initiatives across key sectors such as trade and investment, technology and innovation, defence and security, climate and energy, health, education, and people-to-people relations.

According to ANI, during the visit, Prime Ministers Starmer and Modi will engage with business leaders and industry experts to explore opportunities emerging from the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). CETA represents a central pillar of the economic partnership between the two countries.

Officials highlighted that these engagements are expected to foster increased investment and trade collaborations, particularly within sectors like technology, fintech, marine products, textiles, leather, and gems and jewellery.

In addition to bilateral discussions, the leaders will exchange views on regional and global issues, underscoring the strategic importance of the India-UK relationship on the international stage.

Both PM Modi and PM Starmer will also participate in the 6th edition of the Global Fintech Fest in Mumbai. They are scheduled to deliver keynote addresses and interact with policymakers, innovators, and industry stakeholders, as reported by ANI.

The MEA emphasized that this visit will build upon the momentum generated by PM Modi’s visit to the UK on July 23-24, reaffirming the shared commitment of both nations to a progressive and forward-looking partnership.

**Key Highlights of the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA)**

The India-UK CETA, signed in the presence of both leaders, was formally executed by India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, and the UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Jonathan Reynolds.

Under this agreement, 99 percent of tariff lines enjoy zero-duty access, with important services sectors now open to bilateral trade. The marine sector is set to benefit significantly, with the removal of import tariffs on a wide range of seafood products—including Vannamei shrimp, frozen fish, lobsters, pomfret, and black tiger shrimp—enhancing India’s competitiveness in the UK market.

Labour-intensive sectors such as textiles, leather, and gems and jewellery are also expected to experience increased exports under CETA.

Additionally, all fish and fisheries commodities listed under the UK tariff schedule categories marked “A” now enjoy 100 percent duty-free access from the date the agreement entered into force, providing a substantial boost to India’s trade in these products.

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*With inputs from ANI.*
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/pm-modi-british-counterpart-keir-starmer-to-visit-mumbai-on-october-9-engage-with-industry-leaders-23597205

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