New Delhi: UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has ruled out any relaxation of visa policies for India, despite a new trade agreement aimed at deepening economic ties between the two nations.
Speaking ahead of his arrival in India, Sir Keir emphasised that the focus of his two-day visit is on business engagement, investment, and job creation, not immigration policy. Sir Keir is leading a high-profile delegation of more than 100 entrepreneurs, cultural leaders, and university vice-chancellors to promote UK investment and stimulate economic growth.
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 pic.twitter.com/Sv29sZ6dzj
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 8, 2025
Sir Keir stated that, “The issue is not about visas. It’s about business-to-business engagement and investment and jobs and prosperity coming into the United Kingdom.”
The landmark UK-India trade deal, signed in July after years of negotiation, is set to make UK cars and whisky cheaper to export to India, while reducing costs on Indian textiles and jewellery entering the UK. The agreement also provides a three-year exemption from social security contributions for Indian employees working in the UK on short-term visas, although ministers stressed that there would be no broader changes to immigration policy.
The Labour government has introduced tougher measures on immigration, with a new policy on settlement status unveiled at the party’s annual conference. Sir Keir restated that visas played no part in the India trade deal and confirmed there were no plans for additional routes for Indian workers or students.
When asked about attracting foreign talent following US President Donald Trump’s changes to the H-1B visa programme, Sir Keir said the UK remained open to top talent globally, but reaffirmed that no new visa initiatives for India were being considered.
Among the British companies accompanying the prime minister are British Airways, which announced plans to launch a third daily flight between Delhi and Heathrow next year and Manchester Airport, which revealed a new direct route to Delhi.
During his trip, Sir Keir is expected to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Asked about Modi’s recent social media message extending birthday wishes to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Sir Keir remarked that, “Just for the record, I haven’t sent birthday congratulations to Putin, nor am I going to do so.”
Keir added that the UK’s focus regarding Russia was on tackling the so-called shadow fleet of unregulated tankers used to transport Russian oil, noting that Britain has been one of the lead countries addressing the issue.
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