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Keir Starmer has stated that the Gaza ceasefire agreement "would not have occurred without President Trump's leadership," yet stopped short of supporting the American leader for a Nobel Prize.

Truce Agreement Hailed as a "Relief to the World"

The prime minister commented that the initial stage of the agreement would be a "relief to the world" and highlighted that the UK had contributed significantly in private discussions with the United States and mediators.

Addressing the media on the last day of his trade visit to the Indian subcontinent, the British leader emphasized that the agreement "needs to be put into action in full, without delay, and accompanied by the prompt removal of all limitations on life-saving humanitarian aid to Gaza."

Peace Prize Inquiry Answered

However, when asked if the Nobel prize committee should at this time grant Donald Trump the coveted prize, Starmer implied that more time was required to determine if a longer lasting peace could be attained.

"The priority now is to press on and execute this ... my attention now is moving this from the phase it's at now ... and ensure the success of this, because that is important to me more than anything else," he told reporters at a media briefing in Mumbai.

Business Deals Announced During Trip to India

The Prime Minister has celebrated a series of agreements finalized during his tour to the country – his maiden visit there – accompanied by 126 business leaders and cultural leaders. The trip signifies the implementation of the countries' free trade agreement.

• The UK government has unveiled a slew of investments, from financial technology to higher education facilities, as well as the making of multiple Indian movies in the UK.
• On the final day, Starmer finalized a military agreement worth £350m for British-made missiles, produced in Northern Ireland, to be used by the Indian military.

"Our history together is profound, the human connections between our people are truly special," he said as he left the city. "Building on our landmark agreement, we are remaking this alliance for our era."

Digital ID System Studied

The Prime Minister has dedicated time in Mumbai analyzing the Indian digital ID system, including consulting key figures who developed the widespread system used by over a billion individuals for social services, transactions, and identification.

The prime minister suggested that the United Kingdom was considering broadening the application of digital ID beyond making it compulsory to verify eligibility to work. He indicated that the Britain would in time look at linking it to banking and payments systems – on a optional basis – as well as for official procedures such as home loan and school applications.

"It has been adopted on a optional basis [in India] in huge numbers, partly because it ensures that you can access your own money, conduct transactions so much more conveniently than is available with others," he explained.

"The speed with which it enables residents here to access services, particularly financial services, is something that was recognized in our talks yesterday, and in fact a Fintech conversation that we had as well. So we're looking at those examples of how digital ID assists individuals with processes that sometimes take too long and are too cumbersome and makes them easier for them."

Public Support for Reforms

Starmer admitted that the government had to make the case for the reforms to the British public, which have declined sharply in popularity since he proposed them.

"I think now we need to go out and advocate for the huge benefits ... And I believe that the greater number of individuals see the positive outcomes that come with this ... as has happened in different nations, people say: 'That will make my life easier,' and therefore I want to proceed with it," he affirmed.

Human Rights and Global Affairs Addressed

The Prime Minister confirmed he had brought up a number of difficult topics with the Indian premier regarding human rights and ties with Russia, though he seemed to have made little headway. Starmer confirmed that he and Prime Minister Modi talked about how India was persisting to buy Russian oil, which is facing extensive international restrictions.

"For both Prime Minister Modi and me the focus on ending this situation and the various steps will be implemented to that purpose," he said. "This included a broad spectrum of dialogue, but we outlined the actions that we are taking in regarding energy."

Starmer additionally mentioned he had brought up the case of the UK-based activist Jagtar Singh Johal, from Dumbarton, who has been detained in an Indian prison for nearly eight years without facing a complete legal process. It is often cited as one of the most egregious cases of injustice among UK nationals currently detained abroad.

But, Starmer did not suggest much advancement had been achieved. "Yes, we brought up the diplomatic matters," he stated. "We always raise them when we have the opportunity to do so. I must add that the foreign secretary is scheduled to meet the families in coming weeks, as well as discussing it now."

Future Plans

The prime minister is largely anticipated to take a similar business-oriented trip to China in the coming year as part of a effort to improve diplomatic ties between the UK and China.

That relationship is receiving attention because of the collapse of a espionage investigation, said to have happened because the UK has been unwilling to provide new proof that the country is deemed a security risk.

Starmer said the UK was keen to explore other trading relationships but emphasized that a trade deal with China was not on the agenda. "It is not a priority, for a bilateral pact as such, but our stance is to cooperate where we are able, challenge where we need to, and this has been the ongoing approach of the administration in relation to China."