‘That Isn’t Part of the Plans’: UK PM rules out India visa deal

Britain will not pursue a new visa deal with India, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Wednesday, as he prepares for a two-day visit aimed at deepening trade and investment ties following the India–UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signed earlier this year.British Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in Mumbai on Wednesday morning for bilateral talks with the Indian government. He was received by Acharya Devvrat, Governor of Maharashtra and Gujarat, and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, Minister of Protocol Jaykumar Rawal, and senior government officials also welcomed the British Prime Minister upon his arrival.

#WATCH | UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai earlier today.

He was recieved by Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy CMs Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, and Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat.

(Source:… pic.twitter.com/m8JpYXSxb9

— ANI (@ANI) October 8, 2025

Starmer reportedly stated that visa arrangements will not form part of discussions during his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, stressing that the focus of his visit was to strengthen trade and investment ties. “That isn’t part of the plans,” Starmer said, adding that his visit aims “to take advantage of the free trade agreement that we’ve already struck.”The U.K. Prime Minister, accompanied by a high-level trade mission of British businesses, seeks to strengthen commercial engagement and promote opportunities arising from the FTA agreed in May, signed in July, and expected to come into effect next year.
Starmer noted that visa-related concerns had previously hindered progress on trade negotiations, but the latest agreement deliberately excluded immigration aspects to ensure a smooth conclusion. “Businesses are taking advantage of that. But the issue is not about visas,” he reiterated.The Labour leader’s remarks come as his government adopts a tougher stance on immigration, amid growing domestic pressure and concerns over record migration levels. His party currently trails the populist Reform UK party in opinion polls, with immigration emerging as a key political battleground.Talking about whether he would open new routes for Indian tech professionals in light of tighter U.S. H-1B visa policies under Donald Trump, Starmer said the U.K. remained open to attracting “top talent” but ruled out sector-specific visa relaxations tied to trade agreements.Starmer also dismissed suggestions of friction with India over the deportation of illegal immigrants, calling it a “non-issue” given the existing returns agreement between the two countries. However, he confirmed his government is reviewing whether to link visas with returns arrangements more broadly for other nations.
The visit marks Starmer’s first official trip to India as Prime Minister, underscoring London’s intent to reset and elevate its partnership with New Delhi, particularly in trade, technology, and innovation. Both leaders are expected to discuss investment flows, green energy collaboration, and global governance issues, alongside reaffirming shared commitments under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.Starmer’s firm line on immigration, however, signals that while Britain seeks deeper economic engagement with India, mobility and migration will remain off the negotiating table at least for now.