UK PM Keir Starmer inks visa deal with India ahead of meeting with PM Modi

United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Britain will not make a visa deal with India ahead of his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 9.

Stammers arrived in Mumbai on Wednesday (October 8) with a business delegation.

“It’s not part of the plans,” he told reporters for India when asked about visas, adding the trip was to “take advantage of the free trade agreement that we have already struck”.

“Businesses are taking advantage of it. But the issue is not about visas.”

He said visas would not be on the table to attract tech sector professionals from India, although he said more broadly he wanted “top talent” in Britain.

He was greeted at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport by Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy CMS Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, and state Governor Acharya Devrat.

During the flight, Starmer said, “This is the Prime Minister. I’m in the cockpit, and a very warm welcome to BA flight 9100 to Mumbai. It’s really fantastic to have you all onboard. This is the biggest trade mission to India that the UK has ever sent, so I’m very much looking forward to working with you as we make the most of all the opportunities.”

Modi and Starmer will meet to strengthen India UK strategic partnership. He will participate in the CEO Forum and the sixth edition of the Global Fintech Fest in Mumbai.

#Watch British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stands with his business delegation before leaving London Heathrow Airport as they head to India to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and promote the recently signed trade deal in London, UK.

Source: Pool via Reuters pic.twitter.com/ott8pvtrjp

– ani (@ani) October 7, 2025

During their meeting, Modi and Starmer will review progress in various areas of the India-UK comprehensive strategic partnership in line with the Vision 2035 roadmap. The discussions will cover key areas including trade and investment, technology and innovation, defense and security, climate and energy, health, education and people-to-people ties.

The two leaders are also expected to interact with representatives of business and industry to explore opportunities under the proposed India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, which is envisioned as the cornerstone of the future bilateral economic partnership.

Additionally, Modi and Starmer will exchange views on regional and global developments, and engage with industry experts, policymakers and innovators.