Sir Keir Starmer, on a visit to India, declared that the UK will not ease visa regulations for Indian nationals. The announcement comes as he aims to promote recent trade agreements between the two nations. Accompanied by a delegation of over 100 business and cultural figures, Sir Keir seeks to bolster UK investment and economic growth.

 

The trade agreement, signed in July, facilitates cheaper export of UK cars and whisky to India and Indian textiles and jewellery to the UK, fuelling multi-billion-pound trade benefits. Despite these developments, Sir Keir clarified there are no intentions to broaden visa routes for Indian workers or students. He emphasised that the focus was on business engagement, investment, and prosperity rather than visas.

 

Ministers have maintained that immigration policies remain unchanged except for a temporary exemption on social security for Indian employees with short-term UK visas. The Labour government remains committed to reducing immigration levels, reaffirming this stance at a recent party conference. Sir Keir, speaking en route to Mumbai, reiterated that visas were not part of the trade discussions.

 

British Airways, part of the delegation, announced a new daily flight between Delhi and Heathrow next year, while Manchester Airport introduced a direct route to Delhi. During his two-day trip, Sir Keir is set to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, amidst ongoing diplomatic engagements.

 

Responding to queries about India’s oil trade with Russia, Sir Keir highlighted the UK's efforts to address Russia’s unregulated oil tankers, known as the "shadow fleet". He refrained from commenting on Modi’s relations with Russia but noted the UK’s lead in tackling related issues.

 

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• UK will not relax visa rules for Indian workers or students.
• Trade deal aims to enhance export opportunities between the UK and India.
• Focus remains on business, investment, and curtailing immigration levels.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC 2025-10-08

 

 

2 hours ago, webfact said:

Sir Keir Starmer, on a visit to India, declared that the UK will not ease visa regulations for Indian nationals.

 

This can only mean one thing.

 

The UK will ease visa regulations for Indian nationals.

 

No need for visas, there are plenty of small boats...

 

Slightly more seriously, I've no issue with more Indians going to the UK as long as they meet the relevant criteria and they (combined with any family) are law abiding and a net gain to the UK.