Key points
- Starmer prioritises trade over immigration
- Visa issue blocked earlier trade talks
- Returns agreement with India in place
MUMBAI: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has ruled out pursuing a visa agreement with India, as he looks to strengthen economic relations with the country following this year’s trade deal.
Starmer is embarking on a two-day visit to India starting Wednesday, accompanied by a business delegation to promote the trade agreement, which was finalised in May, signed in July, and is expected to come into force next year, reports Reuters.
“That isn’t part of the plans,” Starmer told journalists on the flight to India when questioned about the visa issue, adding that the purpose of the trip was “to take advantage of the free trade agreement that we’ve already struck.”
“Businesses are taking advantage of that. But the issue is not about visas.”
He noted that previous attempts to conclude a trade deal had been hampered by visa-related issues, and that since a deal had now been secured without any visa provisions, he did not intend to revisit the matter when he meets Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for discussions on Thursday.
Stringent approach to immigration
Starmer is aiming to adopt a more stringent approach to immigration, amid growing public concern over the matter, as his Labour Party lags behind the populist Reform UK party in opinion polls.
He made clear that visa arrangements would not be up for discussion to facilitate entry for Indian tech professionals, despite US President Donald Trump having increased fees for H-1B visas. However, he reiterated his broader ambition to attract “top talent” to the UK.
When asked whether he would halt visa issuance to nationals of countries that refuse to accept the return of foreign criminals or individuals facing deportation, Starmer said this was a “non-issue” with India, given the existence of a returns agreement. Nonetheless, he acknowledged it was an area he would examine more broadly.
“We are looking at whether there should be a link between visas and returns agreements,” he said.
