UK Prime Minister hosts Indian business leaders at Downing Street

• Boosting investment, creating jobs, and delivering on the shared ambition of economic growth were on the agenda.
• The companies have collectively invested over £10 billion into the UK and employ tens of thousands of people across the country.

The Prime Minister has 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 the Prime Minister’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 £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 Prime Minister’s plan for Change.

Prime Minister, Sir 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:

As one of the most globally connected economies in the G20, the UK provides unmatched opportunities for Indian businesses to thrive.

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. 

Boosting investment is a mission at the heart of this government. It was great to hear first-hand from Indian business leaders on why so many of them have given us a vote of confidence and chosen to invest here.

Sunil Bharti Mittal KBE, Leader of the Delegation, Past President, CII and Founder and Chairman, Bharti Enterprises said:

This business delegation comes at a pivotal moment, as India stands as the fastest-growing large economy and is on track to become a USD 5 trillion economy by 2027. Over time, India-UK relations have developed into a robust, multifaceted partnership built on historical ties, economic synergy, and increasing geopolitical alignment.

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.

Further information

• Pictures are available on Flickr here.
• The business delegation of leading Indian companies includes: Bharti Enterprises, Bharat Semi Systems, Biocon Group, Blue Star Limited, Essar Group, Hero Enterprise, Jet Synthesis, Piramal Group, Reliance Industries, Tata Steel, TVS Motor Company, TVS Supply Chain Solutions, and UPL Limited.
• On 18 November 2024, Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where he announced that UK-India trade talks will relaunch in the new year.
• Foreign Secretary David Lammy met External Affairs Minister Jaishankar and Prime Minister Modi in July 2024 in New Delhi. His visit saw the launch of the UK-India Technology Security Initiative (TSI).
• According to Grant Thornton, there are 971 Indian companies in the UK employing 118,430 people and 667 UK companies in India, employing 523,460 people.
• In 2023-24, India was the UK’s second largest source of investment in terms of number of new projects for the fifth consecutive year; total 108 projects creating 7,533 new jobs.
• Prime Minister Starmer made a speech on the government’s Plan for Change on 5 December 2024, available here.

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