3 hours ago
Last Updated:May 06, 2025, 22:54 IST
The office of UK PM released a video that showed both Prime Ministers - Starmer and Narendra Modi - complimenting each other’s leadership over taking the FTA over the finish line.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in a conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi (not pictured). (IMAGE: Keir Starmer/X)
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Tuesday shared a video where he and Prime Minister Narendra Modi were seen engaging in a conversation and congratulating one another on the finalisation of the UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
“The trade deal with India will raise living standards, put more money in the pockets of British working people, and deepen the unique ties between our two nations," the UK PM wrote while sharing the video on social media.
“Hello Mr Prime Minister, we have achieved something truly historic today. This is the biggest deal the UK has done since we left the EU. I think I am right in saying that this is the most ambitious that India has ever done," Starmer is seen complimenting his Indian counterpart.
The trade deal with India will raise living standards, put more money in the pockets of British working people, and deepen the unique ties between our two nations. pic.twitter.com/TAXsPPN9Pv— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) May 6, 2025
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also compliments Starmer by saying: “The credit goes to your vision and your decisive leadership. This is a milestone in the India-UK comprehensive strategic partnership".
Starmer said that the deal will raise living standards and put more money in the pockets of the British working class people and deepen London-New Delhi ties.
“Thank you for your leadership, Prime Minister. This is a historic occasion between our two countries," Starmer said as he concluded the telephone conversation.
The UK has sought to bolster trade ties across the world since it left the EU at the start of the decade under Brexit, a need that became more pressing after the United States unleashed tariffs that risk causing weaker economic growth.
“Today we have agreed a landmark deal with India — one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, which will grow the economy and deliver for British people and business," UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in a statement.
His Labour government said it is “the biggest and most economically significant bilateral trade deal the UK has done since leaving the EU".
The accord will slash tariffs on imports of UK goods into India, including whisky, cosmetics and medical devices.
Whisky and gin tariffs will be halved to 75 percent, while automotive tariffs will be slashed from more than 100 percent to 10 percent.
In exchange, the UK will cut tariffs on imports of clothes, footwear and food products, including frozen prawns, from India.
The deal comes after US President Donald Trump hiked tariffs on trading partners and launched sector-specific levies on steel, aluminium and cars.
The UK and India are the sixth and fifth largest global economies respectively, with a trade relationship worth around £41 billion ($54.8 billion) and investment supporting more than 600,000 jobs across both countries.
The sides hope the free-trade agreement will increase trade between the two countries by £25.5 billion, as well as boosting the British economy and wages.
(with additional inputs from AFP)
Location :London, United Kingdom (UK)
First Published:News world Keir Starmer Shares Video Of Phone Call With PM Modi Before Finalizing Trade Pact: ‘Historic Achievement’
