UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is planning a high-profile visit to India this summer to sign a long-delayed trade agreement with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Critics see the move as an attempt by Starmer to score political points abroad while facing mounting domestic challenges.
The deal, agreed in early May after three years of negotiations, is being marketed by Starmer as a diplomatic win. However, some observers argue that the agreement offers limited benefits for the UK and reflects more of a political gesture than a transformative economic strategy.
Starmer’s eagerness to sign the deal comes after he accepted an invitation from Modi at a global summit last year. The trip, seen by some as a staged moment of international statesmanship, is expected to include a ceremonial signing — even though the text of the agreement has yet to be released to the public or Parliament.
Despite being hailed by Starmer as a “new era” for trade, the deal has drawn skepticism at home. While projections suggest it could add £4.8 billion to the UK’s economy by 2040, critics argue this is a modest return considering the scale of the negotiations and the concessions reportedly made.
Among the key provisions: India’s tariffs on Scotch whisky will be reduced over ten years, and car import duties will drop significantly. In return, the UK will lower tariffs on Indian textiles, seafood, and other goods. Detractors say these measures are unlikely to deliver a major boost to British industries and instead favor sectors in India.
One of the more controversial elements is the exemption granted to Indian workers in the UK from paying employee social taxes, a move that has already sparked backlash from opposition parties and labor groups concerned about fairness and cost to the UK system. Meanwhile, UK negotiators refused to expand student visa access, underlining the transactional nature of the deal.
The agreement is still undergoing legal checks, with a final version expected to be presented to both parliaments once Starmer and Modi sign it. Until then, the details remain vague, and critics warn the government is pushing through a complex and far-reaching deal without sufficient public scrutiny.
Downing Street has so far refused to answer questions about the trip or the agreement’s contents, fueling concerns that the Prime Minister is prioritizing headlines over substance.
