A business delegation of 13 Indian companies met with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and senior Cabinet ministers during a visit to Downing Street in London this week aimed at enhancing the bilateral partnership, boosting investment and creating jobs for both economies.
The companies hosted by Starmer have collectively invested over £10 billion into the UK and employ tens of thousands of people across the country.
Sir Keir Starmer said: “India is a vital partner for the UK and we have huge ambition to unlock more opportunities together, building on our already strong relationship. I’m delighted to welcome some of India’s most senior business leaders to Downing Street and to outline the UK’s ambitious focus on economic growth and innovation.”
The Investor Roundtable hosted by Starmer involved discussions with Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves and Foreign Secretary David Lammy, with Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds and Minister of State Douglas Alexander discussing opportunities under a UK-India trade deal. Latest Department for Business and Trade (DBT) figures put the total bilateral trade as being worth £42 billion a year and supporting over 600,000 jobs across both economies.
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Jonathan Reynolds said: “As one of the most globally connected economies in the G20, the UK provides unmatched opportunities for Indian businesses to thrive.
“India already accounts for the second highest number of FDI [foreign direct investment] projects into the UK, and this government is committed to deepening our trade and investment links with India even further.
Boosting investment is a mission at the heart of this government. It was great to hear first-hand from Indian business leaders on why so many of them have given us a vote of confidence and chosen to invest here.”
The business delegation of leading Indian companies included Bharti Enterprises, Bharat Semi Systems, Biocon Group, Blue Star Limited, Essar Group, Hero Enterprise, Jet Synthesis, Piramal Group, Reliance Industries, Tata Steel, TVS Motor Company, TVS Supply Chain Solutions, and UPL Limited.
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Sunil Bharti Mittal KBE, leader of the delegation, said: “This business delegation comes at a pivotal moment, as India stands as the fastest-growing large economy and is on track to become a USD 5 trillion economy by 2027. Over time, India-UK relations have developed into a robust, multifaceted partnership built on historical ties, economic synergy, and increasing geopolitical alignment.
“The India-UK Free Trade Agreement negotiations present significant opportunities for mutual growth and cooperation. We are optimistic that this delegation will pave the way for numerous successful business collaborations. We shall seek guidance from Prime Minister Starmer on the sectors that may exhibit better collaboration opportunities.”