London/New Delhi, Dec 19 (FN Agency) A business delegation of 13 Indian companies met with the UK’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer and senior Cabinet Ministers during a curated visit at Downing Street to enhance the UK-India partnership.Boosting investment, creating jobs, and delivering on the shared ambition of economic growth were on the agenda.The companies have collectively invested over pounds 10 billion into the UK and employ tens of thousands of people across the country, a statement by the UK High Commission said.Prime Minister Starmer hosted a group of Indian investors and CEOs to harness perspectives on opportunities for investment and economic growth between the UK and India.The visit follows Prime Minister Starmer’s meeting with Prime Minister Modi at the G20 where they committed to take forward an ambitious UK-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with collaboration opportunities on economic growth, security and defence, technology, climate, health, and education.
The delegation, supported by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), discussed deepening the bilateral partnership with the Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves and Foreign Secretary David Lammy. Secretary of State Jonathan Reynolds and Minister of State Douglas Alexander also met with the delegation to discuss opportunities under a UK-India trade deal.With total trade already worth pounds 42 billion and supporting over 600,000 jobs across both economies, the UK and India are negotiating a trade deal that can further economic growth and deliver on the UK Prime Minister’s plan for Change.Prime Minister 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.”Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: “India already accounts for the second highest number of FDI projects into the UK, and this Government is committed to deepening our trade and investment links with India even further.”Sunil Bharti Mittal KBE, Leader of the Delegation, Past President, CII and Founder and Chairman, Bharti Enterprises said: “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.”The delegation finished the day at an evening reception hosted by the High Commission of India in London.