Keir Starmer stood glorious, but is he of any use to India?

Keir Starmer’s ascent to Prime Minister of the United Kingdom marks a significant shift in British politics, with implications reaching far beyond its borders, particularly for India

Keir Starmer, known for his emphasis on fostering a robust relationship with India, highlighted this commitment throughout his campaign. His manifesto outlined plans for a “new strategic” partnership with India, including pursuing a free trade agreement (FTA) and enhanced trade, technology, environment, and security cooperation. Upon securing a majority in Parliament, Keir Starmer pledged to strengthen ties with India based on shared democratic values and aspirations. This stance marks a departure from previous Labour Party positions, signaling a more inclusive approach to cultivating trust within the British-Indian community, which is crucial to Labour’s electoral strategy. Addressing concerns such as anti-Hindu hate crimes, Starmer vowed a zero-tolerance policy, visiting Hindu temples and reassuring the community of his commitment. He acknowledged past missteps regarding issues like Kashmir, pledging to eradicate any extremist sentiments within Labour that could strain UK-India relations.

Keir Starmer’s Labour Party also promises swift action on a long-pending FTA with India, criticizing previous delays under Conservative leadership. Beyond trade, Starmer aims to expand cooperation to encompass cutting-edge technologies, environmental initiatives, and security operations, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to bilateral relations. His outreach to the Indian diaspora, including various Indian-origin candidates and encouraging reporting of anti-India sentiments within Labour, underscores efforts to align policies with community interests. This strategy seeks electoral support and aims to ensure that Labour’s stance on issues affecting India is transparent and supportive. Planning further with Keir Starmer’s administration is expected to navigate sensitive issues like immigration, particularly concerning temporary visas for Indian workers, amidst broader discussions on UK immigration policy. His proactive engagement with India signals a proactive stance on global partnerships and a departure from previous policies, reflecting Labour’s evolving approach under his leadership.