On July 24, 2025, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in London, marking a historic moment for India-UK relations with the signing of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). This landmark free trade agreement (FTA), formalized at Chequers, the British Prime Minister’s country residence, is set to boost bilateral trade by approximately USD 34 billion annually, offering significant opportunities for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) in the UK and beyond. The meeting, which also unveiled the UK-India Vision 2035, underscores a renewed Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, fostering economic, cultural, and social benefits for the Indian diaspora.
A Historic Trade Deal for Economic Growth
The India-UK CETA, described as India’s most comprehensive trade pact and the UK’s most significant post-Brexit deal, eliminates tariffs on 99% of Indian exports and reduces tariffs on 90% of British products, including whisky, cars, and medical devices, from 15% to 3%. This agreement is projected to double bilateral trade by 2030, from the current USD 60 billion, creating thousands of jobs and enhancing market access for businesses in both nations. For NRIs, particularly those in sectors like textiles, gems and jewellery, IT, and healthcare, this deal opens new avenues for entrepreneurship and investment. Indian officials note that traditional exports like turmeric, cardamom, and processed foods such as mango pulp will see improved margins, benefiting NRI-owned businesses in the UK.
The agreement also includes concessions on work visas and exemptions from national insurance contributions for Indian professionals temporarily working in the UK, a significant win for the NRI community. These measures facilitate easier mobility for skilled workers, allowing NRIs to contribute to both economies while maintaining strong ties with India. As one NRI in London expressed on X, “As an NRI in London, this makes me emotional. Seeing our leaders bond over chai while creating opportunities for both nations is wonderful. Hope the trade agreement benefits small businesses back home too!”
Cultural and People-to-People Connections
The meeting, held in the historic Hawtry Room and followed by a “Chai Pe Charcha” at Chequers, highlighted the cultural bonds between India and the UK. PM Modi and Starmer engaged with players from Buckinghamshire Street Cricket Hubs, with Modi gifting a bat signed by India’s T20 World Cup-winning cricket team, emphasizing cricket’s role in fostering people-to-people ties. Modi shared on X, “India and the UK are connected by a shared passion for cricket… Great to see sport fostering people-to-people ties between our nations.” The leaders also posed with the English Premier League trophy, noting football’s growing popularity among Indian youth. These interactions resonate deeply with the NRI community, which often serves as a cultural bridge between the two nations.
The Indian diaspora in the UK, numbering over 1.5 million, warmly welcomed PM Modi, with community leaders, students, and parliamentarians gathering to celebrate his arrival. Modi acknowledged their support on X, stating, “Touched by the warm welcome from the Indian community in the UK. Their affection and passion towards India’s progress is truly heartening.” For NRIs, this visit reinforces their role in strengthening bilateral ties, with many expressing pride in India’s growing global influence.
Strategic Partnership and Vision 2035
Beyond trade, the leaders unveiled the UK-India Vision 2035, a roadmap for collaboration in defence, technology, education, climate, and national security. This partnership addresses shared challenges like terrorism, with Modi thanking Starmer for his solidarity following the Pahalgam terror attack and seeking UK cooperation to extradite economic offenders. Enhanced intelligence sharing and a new criminal records agreement will further strengthen security ties, providing reassurance to NRIs concerned about safety and stability in both countries.
The focus on education and technology is particularly relevant for the NRI community, with many involved in the UK’s academic and tech sectors. The agreement promotes collaboration in research, innovation, and sustainable development, creating opportunities for NRI students and professionals to engage in cutting-edge projects. The leaders’ meeting with industry leaders from healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and IT sectors underscored the potential for NRIs to drive economic growth in both nations.
A Personal Touch: Modi’s Meeting with King Charles III
PM Modi’s visit also included a meeting with King Charles III at Sandringham, where he gifted a sapling as part of the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” initiative, promoting environmental consciousness. This gesture, rooted in an Indian campaign to plant trees in tribute to mothers, resonates with NRIs who value cultural initiatives that connect their heritage with global causes like sustainability.
Implications for the NRI Community
For NRIs in the UK, the CETA and Vision 2035 signal a new era of economic and cultural opportunities. The tariff reductions and visa concessions will ease business operations and professional mobility, while the strategic partnership strengthens India’s global standing, a source of pride for the diaspora. As PM Modi noted on X, “The outcomes of this visit will benefit our future generations and contribute to shared growth and prosperity.” The agreement’s focus on job creation and economic collaboration aligns with the aspirations of NRIs, many of whom run small businesses or work in high-skill sectors.
However, some challenges remain. The deal’s ratification by both parliaments, expected by mid-2026, may delay its benefits. Additionally, ongoing discussions about the UK’s carbon tax and India’s financial services access indicate areas for further negotiation, which NRIs in these sectors will closely monitor.
Conclusion
The Modi-Starmer meeting on July 24, 2025, marks a pivotal moment for India-UK relations, with the CETA and Vision 2035 setting the stage for a stronger partnership. For the NRI community, this visit is a testament to their role in fostering economic, cultural, and strategic ties. As Modi and Starmer bonded over tea and cricket, they laid the foundation for a future where NRIs can thrive, contributing to the prosperity of both India and the UK. Stay tuned to nrinewsclub.com for updates on how this historic agreement shapes opportunities for the diaspora.
Sources: Web references from timetv.news, bbc.com, risingkashmir.com, tribuneindia.com, ndtv.com, timesofindia.indiatimes.com, pmindia.gov.in, hindi.webdunia.com, indiatvnews.com, news18.com, the-independent.com, indianexpress.com, thedailyjagran.com, newsmobile.in, livemint.com, thehindu.com, indiatoday.in, theguardian.com, newkerala.com, neindiabroadcast.com; X posts by @narendramodi.
