UK PM Keir Starmer Honoured with ‘Living Bridge’ Award for India-UK FTA

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has been awarded the prestigious ‘Living Bridge’ honour for his instrumental role in fostering deeper India-UK relations and successfully concluding the long-awaited India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The award, presented at a ceremony in the House of Lords in London on September 23, 2025, recognizes individuals and organisations who significantly contribute to strengthening bilateral ties. The award was accepted on Starmer’s behalf by Seema Malhotra, Britain’s Indian-origin Minister for the Indo-Pacific in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

What Is the ‘Living Bridge’ Honour?

Organised annually by the India Business Group (IBG), the Living Bridge Awards spotlight those who serve as symbolic ‘living bridges’ between India and the UK, enhancing collaboration in areas like trade, education, culture, and diplomacy. This year marks the fourth edition of the awards.

Other 2025 awardees included,

• GMR Group (India-based multinational conglomerate)
• GP Hinduja (British Indian businessman)
• Bina Mehta (Chair, KPMG UK)
• University of Southampton

Each recipient was lauded for their efforts in building enduring partnerships across sectors that align with India’s global outreach and the UK’s post-Brexit economic strategy.

The India-UK FTA: A Landmark in Bilateral Trade

The India-UK Free Trade Agreement, also known as the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), represents a major diplomatic and economic milestone. After several rounds of complex negotiations, the agreement was concluded under PM Starmer’s leadership and is now pending UK parliamentary ratification in 2026.

Key highlights of the FTA include,

• Aims to double bilateral trade to USD 120 billion by 2030
• Provides enhanced market access, reduces tariff barriers, and boosts investment flows
• Covers sectors such as pharmaceuticals, textiles, fintech, education, legal services, AI, and sustainability
• Promotes mutual recognition of standards, protecting businesses and enhancing predictability

A Downing Street spokesperson noted that the FTA “will assist businesses to trade with India with confidence and security,” citing India’s complementary economic profile and rapid growth as catalysts for mutual prosperity.

A New Era in UK-India Economic Relations

This honour and the finalization of the FTA signal a new chapter in UK-India ties, defined by,

• Post-Brexit UK strategy to deepen ties with Indo-Pacific nations
• India’s emergence as a major trade and investment destination
• Shared democratic values and geopolitical alignment on key issues

Harjinder Kang, UK’s Trade Commissioner for South Asia and a key judge for the awards, emphasized that the agreement will “unlock many opportunities, accelerating growth across both economies.”

Key Takeaways

• PM Keir Starmer received Living Bridge Award 2025 for finalizing the India-UK FTA
• Accepted by Seema Malhotra, Minister for Indo-Pacific, at House of Lords
• FTA named Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA)
• Target: USD 120 billion bilateral trade by 2030
• Organised by India Business Group (IBG)