Keir Starmer has clarified that he did not extend birthday wishes to Russian leader Vladimir Putin, in contrast to India’s warm greetings. Arriving in Mumbai for discussions with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Starmer affirmed the UK’s commitment to increasing pressure on the Kremlin. This statement coincided with Modi’s well-wishing message to Putin, despite India’s ongoing purchase of Russian oil amidst the Ukraine conflict.
Modi, in a social media post, expressed his warm regards to “my friend President Putin,” highlighting their longstanding ties. Meanwhile, as Putin celebrated his 73rd birthday, Starmer emphasized that he had not sent any birthday wishes to the Russian leader and reiterated the UK’s focus on countering Russian energy influence through the Shadow Fleet initiative, in collaboration with other nations.
During his visit to India, Starmer pledged to advocate for British businesses, leading a delegation of 125 industry leaders, academics, and dignitaries – the largest delegation to India by the UK government. Notable participants include Rolls Royce, British Telecom, Diageo, London Stock Exchange, British Airways, along with cultural institutions like the British Film Institute and the National Theatre. This effort builds upon a recent trade deal signed between Starmer and Modi, projected to generate £4.8 billion annually for the UK economy.
Anticipating the trip, Starmer emphasized the trade deal’s significance in fostering economic growth and seizing opportunities in India, a market poised to become the world’s third-largest economy by 2028. Stressing the benefits for British companies, Starmer expressed his commitment to promoting growth and creating job opportunities domestically.
The outreach to British businesses follows the PM’s endorsement of the business community in his Labour conference speech, acknowledging the challenges faced due to tax decisions in the previous Budget. Noteworthy developments include British Airways’ plan for a new flight route between Delhi and London Heathrow, and the introduction of a route connecting Manchester and New Delhi by IndiGo airlines.
Accompanying Starmer on the trip were Business Secretary Peter Kyle, investment minister Jason Stockwood, and Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander. Kyle underscored the rapid progress in trade relations with India, symbolized by the delegation’s visit to Mumbai within a short timeframe of restarting trade negotiations.
