UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Tuesday began Britain’s largest-ever trade mission to India with an unusual gesture a cheerful in-flight announcement from the cockpit of British Airways Flight 9100 to Mumbai.
“This is your Prime Minister in the cockpit,” Starmer said over the intercom, drawing laughter from passengers as he led a 125-member business delegation to India for high-level talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi aimed at boosting trade and investment ties.
“It’s really fantastic to have you all onboard,” Starmer continued in the clip he later shared on Instagram. “This is the biggest trade mission to India that the UK has ever sent. I’m looking forward to working with you as we explore all the opportunities in our new free trade agreement.”
The two-day visit, taking place at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marks a new phase in the deepening of the India-UK partnership.
The leaders are expected to review progress under the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the “Vision 2035” roadmap, agreed in July alongside the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which aims to advance collaboration across trade, technology, education, and climate action.
At the heart of the talks will be the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), as the FTA is formally known.
Once ratified by the UK Parliament, it is expected to eliminate tariffs on over 90 per cent of goods traded between the two nations, opening new avenues for investment and industrial cooperation.
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“With more than 125 business leaders and executives on board, Starmer’s mid-air message wasn’t just a display of charm it symbolised Britain’s renewed commitment to building a modern economic partnership with India,” said a senior official travelling with the delegation.
Richard Heald, Chair of the UK India Business Council (UKIBC) and part of the prime ministerial delegation, described the visit as “a pivotal moment in the evolution of our bilateral relationship, defined increasingly by partnership, shared prosperity, and mutual respect.”
“The UK-India corridor stands as one of the most promising economic relationships globally, and we look forward to supporting its continued growth — grounded in innovation, opportunity, and mutual ambition,” Heald said.
He will also address a session on entry strategies for UK small and medium enterprises seeking to establish a presence in India.
Starmer’s visit comes as both countries aim to conclude their long-negotiated trade deal, which has been described as a landmark agreement capable of boosting bilateral trade by billions of pounds annually and strengthening the strategic partnership between London and New Delhi.
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