UK Won’t Seek Visa Deal with India, Says PM Starmer Amid Trade Mission

The visit and Starmer’s remarks signal a deliberate separation between trade ambitions and immigration policy

NEW DELHI: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has confirmed that the United Kingdom will not pursue a visa agreement with India, even as he aims to strengthen economic ties following a recently negotiated trade deal.

Starmer is arriving in India for a two-day visit, bringing along a delegation of business leaders to promote the trade agreement that was negotiated in May, signed in July, and is expected to take effect next year. He stated that while visas had been a sticking point in past trade negotiations, the current agreement carries no visa provisions—and he has no intention of reopening that discussion during his meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

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When questioned by reporters en route to India about whether visa access would be part of the talks, Starmer replied, “That isn’t part of the plans,” adding, “the issue is not about visas.” He emphasized that the visit is designed to capitalize on the trade agreement already secured and to help businesses take full advantage of it.

Starmer’s stance comes as he seeks to adopt a tougher immigration posture—amid growing public concern over migration and the Labour Party’s underperformance in polls compared to the populist Reform UK party. While he said he welcomed the idea of attracting skilled talent broadly, he made clear that changing visa rules for India is not on the agenda, even in light of shifts in global tech immigration policies such as the recent increases in U.S. H‑1B visa fees.

When pressed on whether Britain might curb visa issuance to nationals from countries that refuse to cooperate on deportation or repatriation of criminal suspects, Starmer described it as a “non-issue” with India, citing an existing return agreement. However, he did indicate the government is reviewing the possibility of linking visa access more broadly with return treaties.

The visit and Starmer’s remarks signal a deliberate separation between trade ambitions and immigration policy, even as India is central to the UK’s post‑Brexit economic strategy.

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