Starmer set to sign most significant trade deal since Brexit as Modi flies into London

Narendra Modi will arrive in London today to sign a landmark free trade agreement between India and the UK, a pact viewed as a political and economic prize amid global trade tensions unleashed by the US president, Donald Trump.

- Penelope MacRae

For Britain, eager to score a post-Brexit win, the deal is its most economically significant trade agreement since leaving the EU. For India, it marks its first major free trade pact outside Asia. For both, analysts say, the agreement signals a long-term economic partnership.

During Modi's two-day state visit, his fourth to the UK as prime minister, he will hold talks with Keir Starmer on trade, defence, technological cooperation and security, and will visit King Charles, according to an Indian government statement.

India stood firm on key demands during negotiations, winning concessions on work visas, recognition of professional qualifications and exemptions from national insurance contributions for Indian nationals working temporarily in the UK, all longstanding sticking points.

Modi, accompanied by India's commerce minister, Piyush Goyal, who led the negotiations, can claim India held its ground while the UK compromised, bolstering his message of India's rising global influence. The deal must still be ratified by both parliaments, which is likely to delay implementation until mid-2026.