Will the trade deal with India elevate living standards and strengthen ties?

Synopsis
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced a significant trade deal with India that promises to enhance living standards and solidify ties between the two nations. This historic agreement is expected to boost economic growth and create new opportunities for businesses and citizens alike.
Key Takeaways
- Trade deal with India aims to enhance living standards.
- Strengthens UK-India economic ties.
- Expected to boost MSMEs and job creation.
- Marks a historic milestone in bilateral relations.
- Promotes innovation and investment.
New Delhi, May 6 (NationPress) The Prime Minister of the UK, Keir Starmer, stated on Tuesday that the trade agreement with India is set to enhance living standards and strengthen the bonds between India and the UK.
Through his X account, Starmer expressed, “The trade deal with India will elevate living standards, increase earnings for British workers, and strengthen the unique relationship between our two countries.”
He also shared a brief video on X featuring his discussion with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
During their telephonic exchange, Starmer was heard saying, “Congratulations, Prime Minister, we have accomplished something truly historic today. This is the largest agreement the UK has made since leaving the EU, and I believe it is the most ambitious one India has ever undertaken.”
In response, PM Modi credited the success of the free trade agreement to Starmer’s leadership.
“The credit belongs to your vision and decisive leadership. This deal will further fortify the strategic partnership between the UK and India,” PM Modi remarked.
Earlier, while addressing the India @2047 event, PM Modi confirmed the official signing of the trade pact between India and the UK.
“Today signifies a historic achievement for India. Moments ago, I spoke with the Prime Minister of the UK and I am delighted to announce that the India-UK pre-trade agreement has been finalized,” PM Modi stated.
The Prime Minister highlighted that this significant trade agreement would initiate a new phase of economic development for both countries, providing a substantial boost to India’s economy while creating new opportunities for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
India has successfully formed trade agreements with multiple other nations, reinforcing its status as a vibrant and prosperous hub for global trade and commerce.
“Making bold choices and setting ambitious objectives is crucial. The advancement of our nation should always be our primary focus, ensuring that every decision made leads to greater prosperity and enduring benefits for our citizens,” PM Modi emphasized.
Both leaders proclaimed the agreement a pivotal milestone in the evolving Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, highlighting its potential to enhance trade, investment, innovation, and job creation across their economies.
They concurred that this remarkable arrangement between two of the world’s largest and most dynamic markets would unveil new opportunities for businesses, bolster economic connections, and enrich people-to-people interactions.
Prime Minister Starmer reiterated in an official statement that strengthening alliances and removing trade barriers aligns with the UK’s ‘Plan for Change,’ aimed at fostering a robust and resilient economic future.
The leaders emphasized the critical importance of expanding trade and commercial relations in further deepening the already strong and multifaceted India-UK partnership. They expressed their optimism that the newly established Free Trade Agreement—balanced, fair, and forward-thinking—would significantly enhance bilateral trade, create new employment opportunities, elevate living standards, and benefit the overall welfare of citizens in both nations.