BBC, South China Morning Post, October 8 report: UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will lead a delegation to India on October 8-9, aiming to reach a bilateral trade agreement, expand broader economic cooperation, promote investment from India to the UK, and boost the UK's economic recovery. This is Starmer's first official visit to India since taking office. It is reported that the delegation consists of 125 business leaders and cultural representatives, making it the largest trade delegation sent by the UK to India since the establishment of diplomatic relations, which may indicate the UK's expectation to use trade diplomacy to create more jobs and attract more funds. On July 24, India and the UK formally signed a free trade agreement, which is expected to come into effect after the approval procedures are completed within one year. Analysts pointed out that the India-UK free trade agreement is expected to boost the UK's GDP by about £4.8 billion annually, and increase bilateral trade by £25.5 billion annually. Among them, UK exports to India are expected to grow by nearly 60%. Analysts also pointed out that India may strive to promote cooperation in emerging fields between the two countries and request an increase in the number of visas issued. However, given the continued high level of anti-immigration sentiment in the UK, Starmer emphasized that although UK-India relations are at "the highest level in history," the UK will not relax visa policies for India, and there are no plans to open up more visa channels for Indian workers or students.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1845522513531916/
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