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Major household names such as Rolls-Royce, British Telecom, Diageo, London Stock Exchange and British Airways joined the UK Prime Minister’s delegation as he promised to secure opportunities for them to grow and expand into the Indian market – delivering growth and supporting jobs at home, a press release from the UK government said on October 8. (Image: Reuters)
2 / 9The 125-strong delegation marks the largest ever government trade mission to India. Earlier this year, India and the UK signed a trade deal, which is expected to raise bilateral trade by £25.5 billion per year, with UK exports to India projected to grow by nearly 60%.
3 / 914 university Vice Chancellors and representatives also joined the delegation in recognition of the explosion in demand for higher education in India, with 70 million places needed by 2035. (Image: Reuters)
4 / 9Some of the UK’s biggest cultural institutions, such as the British Film Institute and the National Theatre, also attended – opening new doors for creative exports, co-productions, museum and heritage partnerships, talent exchange, and joint initiatives across film, fashion, sport, and digital culture. (Image: Reuters)
5 / 9Starmer visited the Yash Raj Films (YRF) studio in Mumbai’s Andheri suburb, a key Bollywood production hub. The visit aims at strengthening cultural ties and promoting collaboration between the British and Indian film industries. Starmer drove to the YRF Studios amid heavy police security. His visit to the facility is seen as a step toward fostering creative partnerships, including potential joint film projects and cultural exchange programmes. (Image: Reuters)
6 / 9Starmer’s visit marks a significant milestone in India-UK diplomatic and cultural relations, combining film, sport, and commerce under a single strategic agenda. Later in the day, Starmer is also scheduled to participate in a football showcase event organised by the English Premier League at Cooperage football ground in South Mumbai. The event is designed to promote sports diplomacy and strengthen ties between the UK and India in the field of football. Former England international Michael Owen is also expected to attend the event, alongside local football enthusiasts and young players. (Image: Reuters)
7 / 9British Airways has today confirmed it will introduce a third daily flight between Delhi and London Heathrow in 2026, subject to regulatory and capacity approval, and will look for further growth opportunities in the country as trade between the UK and India increases. (Image: Reuters)
8 / 9The UK prime minister was also seen taking a selfie with a disposable camera during an interaction with business leaders at the Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai. (Image: Reuters)
9 / 9Prime Minister Narendra Modi warmly welcomed his British counterpart, calling his visit historic. In a post on X, Modi said, “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 to advance our shared vision of a stronger, mutually prosperous future.” The two leaders are set to strengthen the UK-India partnership, focusing on artificial intelligence, telecoms, and defence technology under the Technology Security Initiative signed last year. (Image: Reuters)
