New Delhi:
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Tuesday held a telephonic dialog along with his Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi, over the completion of the Free Commerce Settlement (FTA), which the previous stated was a “historic event” between the 2 nations. 

Based on a virtually 50-second audio clip shared by Mr Starmer on X, the 2 Prime Ministers congratulated one another and agreed that the commerce deal would strengthen their “strategic partnership”.

The multi-billion-pound commerce deal locks in reductions on 90% of tariff strains and is predicted so as to add 4.8 billion kilos yearly to the British economic system by 2040.

Listed here are the excerpts from the telephonic dialog between Mr Modi and Mr Starmer: 

PM Modi: Hi there, Excellency

PM Starmer: Congratulations Prime Minister. We have achieved one thing actually historic right this moment. That is the largest deal the UK has accomplished since we left the EU. And I feel I am proper in saying it is essentially the most formidable that India has ever accomplished. 

PM Modi: The credit score goes to your imaginative and prescient and to your decisive management. The deal will additional strengthen the UK-India strategic partnership.

PM Starmer: It is a deal that may elevate residing requirements, put extra money within the pockets of British working individuals and deepen the distinctive ties between our two nations. Thanks very a lot for this name. Thanks to your management, Prime Minister. As we speak is an important historic event between our two nations. Thanks. (Dialog ends)

The deal was finalised by Commerce and Trade Minister Piyush Goyal throughout his talks with UK Enterprise and Commerce Secretary Jonathan Reynolds in London on Friday.

The commerce cope with India will elevate residing requirements, put extra money within the pockets of British working individuals, and deepen the distinctive ties between our two nations. pic.twitter.com/TAXsPPN9Pv

— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) May 6, 2025

In a press release earlier within the day, Mr Starmer stated the UK has signed the cope with India, which, he claimed, is “one of many quickest rising economies on this planet, which is able to develop the economic system and ship for British individuals and enterprise”. 

Mr Modi, in a submit on X, stated: “In a historic milestone, India and the UK have efficiently concluded an formidable and mutually helpful Free Commerce Settlement, together with a Double Contribution Conference. These landmark agreements will additional deepen our Complete Strategic Partnership, and catalyse commerce, funding, development, job creation, and innovation in each our economies.” 

The commerce deal, firmed up after three years of negotiations, will guarantee complete market entry for Indian items throughout all sectors and India will achieve from tariff elimination on about 99% of tariff strains (product classes) overlaying virtually 100 per cent of the commerce values, in line with an Indian assertion, information company PTI reported.