The Delhi Declaration: Can Starmer and Modi Forge a Post-Brexit, Post-Trump Alliance for the Ages? 

Keir Starmer’s inaugural visit to India as UK Prime Minister marks a strategic pivot to solidify a post-Brexit economic future and forge a crucial geopolitical alliance, centered on activating the recently signed Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).

This deal, aimed at boosting bilateral trade by £25.5 billion by 2040, is framed not merely as a transactional pact but as a “launchpad for growth” for Britain and a key pillar of India’s strategy to diversify its partnerships in an era of global uncertainty, notably hinted at by the “tariff turmoil” of a Trump-led U.S. The partnership, guided by a broader “Vision 2035” roadmap, extends beyond tariffs on goods like Scotch whisky and textiles to encompass deeper collaboration in fintech, defence, and climate technology, representing a calculated bet between the world’s fifth and sixth-largest economies to build a mutually empowering alliance for the 21st century.

The Delhi Declaration: Can Starmer and Modi Forge a Post-Brexit, Post-Trump Alliance for the Ages? 

The humid Mumbai air on October 8, 2025, carried more than just the familiar scent of the Arabian Sea. It was thick with a palpable sense of opportunity—and urgency. As Sir Keir Starmer descended the steps of his aircraft, becoming the first UK Prime Minister to make India his inaugural major bilateral visit, he wasn’t just stepping onto the tarmac. He was stepping into the crucible of his “securonomics” doctrine and the very definition of Britain’s post-Brexit identity. 

This wasn’t a mere diplomatic handshake. Flanked by a 100-strong delegation of Britain’s corporate, cultural, and academic elite—from the engineers of Rolls-Royce to the distillers of Scotch—Starmer’s mission was clear: to breathe life into the recently inked India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and to signal that Global Britain’s future is inextricably linked to the rise of the Asian century. 

More Than a Signature: The CETA as a Geopolitical Lifeline 

The trade deal itself, clinched in a whirlwind July during Narendra Modi’s visit to the UK, is a substantial piece of work. It promises to slash tariffs on a range of goods, from British whisky and automobiles to Indian textiles, and unlock market access for services and professionals. The headline figure is an ambitious £25.5 billion boost to bilateral trade by 2040. But to view this agreement as a simple transactional document is to miss the forest for the trees. 

For Starmer, CETA is a political and economic necessity. After a slide in the polls and with a tricky November fiscal budget looming, he needs tangible wins. The deal is the centrepiece of his “growth mission,” designed to prove that Britain can thrive outside the EU by forging deeper ties with the world’s fastest-growing major economies. As he stated pointedly in Mumbai, the agreement is “not just a piece of paper, it’s a launchpad for growth,” highlighting India’s projected ascent to the world’s third-largest economy by 2028. 

For Modi, the deal is another strategic brick in the wall of India’s “multi-alignment” foreign policy. In the shadow of what the article obliquely references as “tariff turmoil unleashed by U.S. President Donald Trump,” India is aggressively diversifying its economic partnerships. A strengthened bond with a permanent member of the UN Security Council and a leading financial hub provides a crucial counterbalance to over-reliance on any single power, be it the US or China. 

The “Vision 2035” Blueprint: Beyond Goods and Services 

The official statements from both sides repeatedly refer to “Vision 2035,” a ten-year roadmap for the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This is where the real insight lies. The relationship is being consciously architected to extend far beyond the exchange of goods. 

1. The Fintech Bridge: The fact that both leaders are headlining the Global Fintech Fest in Mumbai is highly symbolic. India is a global leader in digital public infrastructure, with its Unified Payments Interface (UPI) processing billions of transactions monthly. The UK, with the City of London’s financial clout and a robust regulatory tech (RegTech) sector, is a natural partner. The collaboration here isn’t just about British firms selling to India; it’s about co-creating the next generation of financial architecture for the Global South. Imagine UPI-style systems, powered by British security and investment platforms, being exported to Africa and Southeast Asia.
2. The Defence & Security Pivot: While less highlighted in trade summaries, the defence and security pillar of “Vision 2035” is critical. In an era of heightened global instability, both nations share concerns about maritime security in the Indo-Pacific, cyber warfare, and counter-terrorism. The UK’s Carrier Strike Group deployment in 2021 was a statement of intent. Future collaboration could see deeper technology transfer, joint development of defence equipment (leveraging India’s cost-effective manufacturing under its ‘Make in India’ initiative), and intensified intelligence sharing, creating a formidable democratic bulwark in a volatile region.
3. The Climate & Energy Conundrum: The presence of oil major BP in Starmer’s delegation is a fascinating subplot. The UK has legally binding net-zero targets, while India is on a voracious energy growth path to fuel its economy. The partnership, therefore, must walk a tightrope. It will involve British expertise and investment in India’s massive renewable energy ambitions, but also pragmatic cooperation on transitional fuels like natural gas. This is a real-world test of how developed and developing economies can collaborate on climate action without stifling growth.

The Human Element: Whisky, Wings, and Winds of Change 

Beyond the grand strategy, the success of CETA will be measured in specific, human-centric industries. 

The Scotch Whisky Gambit: The tariff reduction on Scotch whisky—from a prohibitive 150% down to 75% immediately, and eventually to 40%—is a game-changer. For decades, Scotch has been a luxury item in India, often outpriced by local spirits. This deal opens up the burgeoning Indian middle class to a product synonymous with British heritage. For Diageo and the Scotch Whisky Association, this represents a potential billion-dollar market. It’s a clear win that Starmer can point to back home. 

Connecting Hubs, Connecting People: The announcement of a third daily British Airways flight from Heathrow to Delhi, and a new IndiGo route from Manchester, is a direct consequence of the deal’s warmer climate. This isn’t just about tourism; it’s about integrating supply chains, facilitating high-value business travel, and strengthening the “people-to-people” ties that form the bedrock of any strong international relationship. The 1.6 million-strong Indian diaspora in the UK acts as a living bridge, and these enhanced connections will only make it stronger. 

The Road to Ratification: Challenges on the Horizon 

For all the optimism, the path forward is not without its obstacles. 

The Devil in the Details: Trade deals are famously complex, and ratification processes can be slow. Both governments aim to have CETA in effect within a year, but parliamentary scrutiny in both London and New Delhi could unearth contentious points, particularly around data localisation, professional visa quotas, and agricultural standards. 

The “Trump Effect”: The spectre of a protectionist US administration looms large. If President Trump follows through on threats of widespread tariffs, it could disrupt global supply chains and force both India and the UK to recalibrate their economic policies, potentially straining the very partnership they are now building. 

Managing Expectations: Starmer has promised growth, and quickly. The British public will want to see tangible benefits—more jobs, lower prices—sooner rather than later. If the CETA’s benefits are slow to materialise, it could be weaponised by his political opponents, painting it as a deal that looks better on paper than in practice. 

Conclusion: A Partnership of Necessity and Ambition 

Keir Starmer’s visit to India is more than a photo-op. It is a strategic declaration. In a world fragmenting into new blocs and battered by geopolitical storms, the UK and India are making a calculated bet on each other. They are combining Britain’s strengths in finance, technology, and advanced manufacturing with India’s demographic dynamism, digital prowess, and colossal market potential. 

The success of this “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership” will depend on their ability to look beyond immediate tariffs and see the larger picture: a shared future built on fintech innovation, climate technology, security cooperation, and the immense power of their connected peoples. If they can navigate the challenges ahead, the Delhi Declaration of 2025 may well be remembered as the moment a former imperial power and its former colony decided to write a new, mutually empowering chapter for the 21st century. The launchpad is active; the countdown to a new era of partnership has begun.