United Kingdom – Sir Keir Starmer has firmly stated that the UK India visa rules will not be relaxed, even as he prepares to visit the country to promote the benefits of a recently signed trade agreement. The prime minister’s declaration comes ahead of a crucial diplomatic and business mission to Mumbai, where he will lead a delegation of more than 100 entrepreneurs, cultural leaders, and university vice chancellors.
The visit aims to boost UK investment and improve sluggish economic growth, but Starmer has made clear that immigration policy will not be compromised in pursuit of stronger economic ties with India.
Focus on Business, Not Visas
Speaking to reporters on the plane to Mumbai, Sir Keir emphasized that the UK India visa rules were not part of the trade negotiations and will remain unchanged. “The issue is not about visas,” the prime minister stated. “It’s about business to business engagement and investment and jobs and prosperity coming into the United Kingdom.”
Starmer’s comments underscore the Labour government’s determination to maintain strict immigration controls while pursuing enhanced economic partnerships. He confirmed that visas “played no part” in the trade deal with India and that situation has not changed since the agreement was signed.
Trade Deal Benefits Without Immigration Concessions
The UK’s trade deal with India was signed in July after years of negotiation, representing a significant milestone in bilateral relations. The agreement will make UK cars and whisky cheaper to export to India, while Indian textiles and jewellery will become more affordable for UK consumers as part of a multi-billion pound trade boost.
Notably, the deal included a three-year exemption on social security paid by Indian employees working in the UK on short-term visas. However, ministers have consistently insisted there were no wider changes to the UK India visa rules or immigration policy more broadly.
Labour’s Immigration Stance
The Labour government has been actively working to reduce immigration levels into the UK. At the party’s conference last week, ministers announced a tough policy on settlement status, signaling their commitment to stricter border controls.
This hardline approach to the UK India visa rules reflects broader concerns about immigration levels and the government’s determination to demonstrate that economic partnerships need not come at the expense of immigration controls.
Tech Talent and H-1B Visa Comparisons
When asked whether the UK might consider attracting tech entrepreneurs following US President Donald Trump’s changes to the H-1B visa program in the United States, Sir Keir said the UK wanted to attract “top talent” from across the globe to help grow the economy. However, he repeatedly emphasized there were no plans for new visa routes to India.
This position on UK India visa rules suggests the government is walking a fine line between attracting skilled workers and maintaining its commitment to reducing overall immigration numbers.
Also Read: H1B Visa Indian Students Response: Big Decline Sparks Major Shift Away from America
Business Delegation and Investment Opportunities
Despite the firm stance on the UK India visa rules, Sir Keir highlighted “massive opportunities” to improve trade and cultural ties with India. The substantial business delegation accompanying him demonstrates the government’s serious intent to strengthen economic relationships.
Among the businesses traveling with the prime minister is British Airways, which announced plans to introduce a third daily flight between Delhi and Heathrow next year. Manchester Airport also revealed a new direct route to Delhi, indicating growing connectivity between the two nations.
Meeting with Prime Minister Modi
During the two-day trip, Sir Keir is expected to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The meeting comes after Modi conveyed his “warm birthday greetings” to Russian President Vladimir Putin on social media, a gesture that raised eyebrows given the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Sir Keir told reporters he would not be following suit: “Just for the record, I haven’t sent birthday congratulations to Putin, nor am I going to do so. I don’t suppose that comes as a surprise.”
Russia’s Shadow Fleet and Indian Oil Purchases
When asked whether he would criticize Modi over India’s purchase of Russian oil, Sir Keir said the UK’s focus was on Russia’s shadow fleet of oil tankers. The prime minister said the UK had been one of “the lead countries in relation to the ‘shadow fleet'” – the name given to unregulated tankers ferrying oil from Russia.
This diplomatic response suggests Starmer is keen to maintain positive relations with India while addressing concerns about Russian sanctions evasion through indirect means rather than direct criticism.
Balancing Act: Trade and Immigration
The visit to India represents a delicate balancing act for the UK government. While eager to strengthen economic ties and attract investment, the administration remains firmly committed to its position on the UK India visa rules. This approach aims to demonstrate that successful trade relationships can be built without compromising on immigration policy.
As Sir Keir leads the delegation through Mumbai, the message regarding UK India visa rules is clear: the UK is open for business with India, but the UK India visa rules will remain unchanged, reflecting the government’s broader commitment to controlling immigration while pursuing economic growth and international partnerships.
