“A New Chapter Begins”: PM Modi, UK’s Keir Starmer Celebrate Historic UK-India Trade Deal

In a moment hailed as historic, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer shared a warm congratulatory phone call on Tuesday to mark the completion of a landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the United Kingdom.

The deal, finalised in London last Friday by India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and UK Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, is being celebrated as the biggest trade pact the UK has signed since its exit from the European Union—and the most ambitious trade agreement India has ever entered.

In a nearly 50-second audio clip shared by PM Starmer on X (formerly Twitter), both leaders expressed optimism and pride over the agreement, which is expected to bring substantial benefits to both nations.

Here’s a glimpse into their exchange:

PM Modi: “Hello, Excellency.”

PM Starmer: “Congratulations, Prime Minister. We’ve achieved something truly historic today. This is the biggest deal the UK has done since we left the EU. And I think I’m right in saying it’s the most ambitious that India has ever done.”

PM Modi: “The credit goes to your vision and decisive leadership. The deal will further strengthen the UK-India strategic partnership.”

PM Starmer: “This is a deal that will raise living standards, put more money in the pockets of British working people, and deepen the unique ties between our two nations. Thank you very much for this call. Today is a very important historic occasion between our two countries.”

The multi-billion-pound agreement will reduce tariffs on 90% of product lines and is projected to contribute an additional £4.8 billion annually to the UK economy by 2040.

Earlier, Starmer noted the significance of signing a deal with “one of the fastest growing economies in the world,” highlighting its potential to boost the UK’s economy and support businesses and working people.

Prime Minister Modi also shared his sentiments on X, calling the deal a “historic milestone” and underscoring its role in catalysing trade, investment, innovation, and job creation. He also mentioned the inclusion of a Double Contribution Convention, further expanding the scope of cooperation.

Negotiated over three years, the agreement promises comprehensive market access for Indian goods across sectors, with India set to benefit from tariff eliminations on approximately 99% of product categories, covering nearly the entire trade volume.

As both nations turn the page toward deeper economic and strategic collaboration, this deal is being seen as more than just a policy success—it’s a symbol of growing trust and shared ambition.

News Source : Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.