Keir Starmer’s trade-focused visit to India started with a surprise messages to passengers onboard a British Airways jet and saw him have tough conversations with Narendra Modi about Russia
Just before take-off to India, the captain put on his best impression of the Commons Speaker as he introduced a special guest. “Order, order, order,” he told passengers.
Within moments Keir Starmer’s voice was broadcast across the British Airways jet. “This is the Prime Minister live in the cockpit,” he said.
“A very warm welcome to BA flight 9100 to Mumbai. It’s really fantastic to have you all on board – this is the biggest trade mission to India that the UK has ever sent.”
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“I’m really looking forward to working with you as we explore all the opportunities and take full advantage of the opportunities in our new free trade agreement. So safe flight everybody – I’ll give you further information once I’ve taken off.”
His message came as 125 CEOs, university vice-chancellors, and leaders of cultural institutions boarded the flight to Mumbai – India’s financial capital. All had gathered on the tarmac for a photograph with the PM ahead of their mission to boost ties with Narendra Modi’s Indian government.
As the PM made clear from the cockpit he was there to bang the drum for British firms and the UK-India trade deal signed in the summer at Chequers. It was the deal that Boris Johnson failed to secure despite his many promises.
It was also a crucial opportunity for the government to repair relations with some firms after last year’s Budget tax hikes left a sour taste.
But his relationship with Modi was also at the forefront of his mind and the Indian PM was keen to impress. He is understood to have told the state government of Maharashtra to ensure Mr Starmer felt welcome. They certainly paid attention.
As the PM landed in Mumbai – his first ever visit to India – he was met with a reception usually reserved for A list celebrities. Over 5,700 and billboards featuring Mr Starmer’s face and the Indian PM were plastered across the roads in the west coast city of India.
Musicians, dancers and street performers in colourful costumes also lined the streets as Mr Starmer’s convoy passed through. A far cry from the British offering of gingerbread and sparkling water presented to Mr Modi on his visit to Chequers back in the summer.
But it’s clear the relationship has its limits and with Russia it is most stark. India continues to buy discounted Russian oil – used by Putin to fund his brutal invasion of Ukraine – while Mr Starmer seeks to ratchet up the pressure on the Russian President.
No10 says the issue of oil was directly raised during the PM and Mr Modi’s private one-to-one at Raj Bhavan, a state residence in Mumbai, which lasted around 90 minutes. During a press conference at the British Deputy High Commission – wrapping up the two-day visit – Mr Starmer also said the issue was raised.
“We emphasised, in particular, our focus on the [Russian] shadow fleet and the work that we’re doing leading the coalition of the willing,” the PM added.
For Modi’s part, he posted an image on X sharing a journey with the PM to Mumbai’s Global Fintech Fest, praising “my friend” Mr Starmer saying the India-UK “friendship is on the move and is filled with great vigour!”
But just 24 hours earlier he was busy posting on social media about another “friend”. “Spoke with my friend President Putin and conveyed warm birthday greetings and best wishes for his good health and long life,” the Indian leader said. “Deeply appreciate his personal commitment to deepening India–Russia ties over the years.”
Facing journalists on the outbound journey, Mr Starmer felt it necessary to put on the record that he had not sent birthday greetings to the Russian warmonger – nor would he.
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