MUMBAI – British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer landed in Mumbai this morning, marking the commencement of his first official visit to India since assuming the premiership in July 2024. Mr. Starmer arrived at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport accompanied by what has been described as the largest-ever trade delegation from the United Kingdom, underscoring the visit’s strong economic focus.
He was accorded a high-level welcome by Maharashtra’s key dignitaries. Receiving the UK Prime Minister were Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, and Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat.
The UK Prime Minister’s schedule in Mumbai includes his attendance at the inaugural function of the Navi Mumbai International Airport, a major infrastructure project.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended a warm welcome to his UK counterpart, H.E. Keir Starmer, highlighting the importance of the visit in strengthening bilateral ties.
In a post on the social media platform X, Shri Modi wrote: “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. @Keir_Starmer”
The statement confirms that the two leaders are scheduled to meet for bilateral discussions tomorrow, where they are expected to focus on advancing a “shared vision of a stronger and mutually prosperous future” between the two nations, with trade and economic collaboration a central theme. The presence of a large trade delegation accompanying Mr. Starmer signals the UK’s intent to deepen commercial engagement with India.
