UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has made it clear that Britain will not relax visa rules for Indian workers or students, as he embarks on a high-profile visit to India aimed at deepening trade and investment ties.
Speaking ahead of his arrival in Mumbai, Sir Keir emphasized that the focus of his trip is on “business-to-business engagement, investment, and shared prosperity,” not immigration policy.
Starmer is leading a delegation of more than 100 influential figures, including entrepreneurs, university vice chancellors, and cultural leaders. The visit comes shortly after the UK and India signed a landmark trade agreement in July 2025, following years of complex negotiations. The deal promises significant economic benefits for both nations by reducing tariffs and boosting exports.
Under the trade pact, British exports such as cars and whisky will become more affordable in India, while Indian products including textiles and jewellery will enjoy easier access to the UK market. The agreement also includes a three-year exemption from social security payments for Indian employees working in the UK on short-term assignments. However, government officials have stressed that there are no broader changes to immigration policy as part of this deal.
NO FOCUS ON VISA RULES
“The issue is not about visas,” Starmer reiterated during a press briefing onboard his flight to India. “It’s about creating opportunities for businesses, jobs, and economic growth.” His comments underline the Labour government’s stance on tightening immigration levels — a key policy announced during the party’s recent conference. The administration has also proposed stricter settlement rules as part of its efforts to reduce net migration into the UK.
When asked whether Britain might reconsider visa options to attract Indian tech talent, especially after US President Donald Trump’s recent changes to America’s H-1B visa program, Starmer maintained that there were “no plans for new visa routes.” However, he added that the UK remains committed to drawing top talent from across the world to help drive innovation and growth in the British economy.
The prime minister’s trade mission also features major UK businesses, including British Airways, which announced plans to launch a third daily flight between Delhi and Heathrow next year. Meanwhile, Manchester Airport unveiled a new direct flight route to Delhi, strengthening air connectivity between the two nations.
TWO-DAY AGENDA
During his two-day visit, Sir Keir is scheduled to meet the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The meeting follows Modi’s recent social media message extending birthday wishes to Russian President Vladimir Putin — a gesture that Starmer pointedly declined to mirror. “Just for the record, I haven’t sent birthday congratulations to Putin, nor am I going to do so,” he was quoted as conveying to the press reporters.
When questioned about India’s continued purchase of Russian oil, Starmer said the UK’s priority was addressing the “shadow fleet” — unregulated oil tankers transporting Russian crude globally. He highlighted that Britain remains one of the leading nations taking action against this practice.
With his India visit, Starmer aims to reinforce economic and cultural ties while staying firm on immigration controls — a balancing act that reflects the UK’s strategy of promoting trade partnerships without loosening its borders. For the uninitiated, this visit marks UK PM’s first visit to India, since his appointment as Britain’s leader in 2024.
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