The UK-India Free Trade Agreement is advancing rapidly, but the UK side refuses to loosen restrictions on high-skilled worker visas.

According to Jin10 data on October 8, UK Prime Minister Starmer stated that he hopes to implement the free trade agreement between the UK and India as soon as possible. Currently, these two major economies are deepening cooperation, while the United States is pursuing a more protectionist trade agenda. Starmer mentioned that he has instructed his team to accelerate the advancement of this agreement signed earlier this year. After three years of intense negotiations, Starmer and Indian Prime Minister Modi finalized the free trade agreement in July. However, the tense relationship between the two countries regarding immigration issues is expected to continue. On a flight to Mumbai, Starmer stated that he would reject the business community's demand to "allow more highly skilled Indian workers to come to the UK." Starmer said, "The free trade agreement does not change the visa policy—we have not increased the visa quota."