UK-India relations: A new era under Keir Starmer?

With the recent UK election results, a clear mandate for change has emerged after 14 years of Conservative rule. Labour leader Keir Starmer has assumed the mantle of Prime Minister, succeeding Rishi Sunak. As this new government takes shape, it’s becomes pertinent to analyse what it will mean for India, particularly regarding separatism and the ties between the two nations.

Unwarranted interference in India’s internal matters has always been a point of contention between India and the UK. Before Keir Starmer’s leadership, the Labour Party, under Jeremy Corbyn, significantly strained India-UK relations. Following India’s abolition of the temporary and transient Article 370 from its Constitution, the party passed a resolution calling for ‘international intervention in Kashmir and a UN-led referendum’. Corbyn seemed to forget that India had stopped taking orders from London in 1947! This resolution sparked a backlash that alienated both India and British-Indians during the 2019 UK elections.

After the Labour Party’s election loss, its chairman pledged to ‘avoid taking a pro-Indian or pro-Pakistan stance on Kashmir.’ Subsequently, Keir Starmer took steps to repair the damage caused by his predecessor. “Any constitutional issues in India are a matter for the Indian Parliament,” he stated during a meeting with Labour Friends of India, adding that “Kashmir is a bilateral issue for India and Pakistan to resolve peacefully.” To broaden his appeal, Starmer has participated in Diwali and Holi celebrations. His manifesto outlined a commitment to pursuing a ‘new strategic partnership’ with India. These developments offer reassurance to India, signalling a shift towards constructive engagement rather than interference.

While Starmer has made significant strides in improving India-UK ties regarding Kashmir, he has done little to address the contentious issue of Khalistan. India’s High Commission in London has faced attacks by Khalistani supporters in the past. This time, at least two Labour MPs with known Khalistani sympathies have been elected to the British Parliament. One is Preet Kaur Gill, who has been associated with the Smethwick Gurudwara, a site that also houses a shrine for Khalistani terrorists. The second is Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi, who criticised India at a Referendum 2020 rally and demanded a parliamentary debate during the farmer’s protests in India. It remains to be seen how effectively Starmer can limit their influence and prevent it from translating into significant action.

Another potential concern for India is the proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA). While 19 out of 26 chapters have been agreed upon, India continues to advocate for greater mobility for its skilled professionals. The Labour Party’s manifesto, however, indicates some adoption of right-wing ideas on immigration, which could complicate negotiations. It will be important for both sides to find a balance that benefits economic cooperation while addressing concerns about labour mobility and other trade-related issues.

The major focus for Starmer will be on how to revive the UK’s economy post-Brexit, manage illegal immigration, and address trade-related issues domestically. As far as New Delhi is concerned, Keir Starmer’s leadership appears to have a more pragmatic and balanced approach towards India. His efforts to repair relations damaged by previous controversies surrounding Kashmir and to engage positively with Indian cultural events are steps in the right direction. Challenges remain, though, particularly concerning Khalistan sympathies within his party and the finalisation of the FTA with India. How these issues are managed will be crucial in determining the future trajectory of India-UK relations under the Starmer administration.

The writer is an independent columnist who writes on international relations, and socio-political affairs. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views.