'This is the PM in cockpit': UK PM Kier Starmer's surprise for British Airways co-passengers

his is the Prime Minister in the cockpit

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Tuesday addressed his fellow passengers after boarding the flight for his two-day trip to India.

Sharing a video on his Instagram handle, Starmer said: “This is the Prime Minister in the cockpit. A very warm welcome to BA flight 9100 to Mumbai. It’s really fantastic to have you all onboard. This is the biggest trade mission to India that the UK has ever sent, so I am much looking forward to working with you as we explore all of the opportunities and take full advantage of the opportunities in our new free trade agreement. So, safe flight everybody. Enjoy the flight and I’ll give you further information once I’ve taken off."

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A post shared by Keir Starmer (@keirstarmer)

This trip marks Starmer’s first official visit to India at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, according to the Ministry of External Affairs. During the two-day visit, the leaders will review progress under the India–UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in line with Vision 2035. Their discussions are expected to cover trade, investment, technology, defence, climate, energy, health, and education. Starmer and Modi will also meet business leaders to explore opportunities arising from the recently signed Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).

On October 9 in Mumbai, both prime ministers will deliver keynote addresses at the sixth edition of the Global Fintech Fest and hold exchanges on regional and global developments. The Ministry of External Affairs noted that the visit builds on the momentum from PM Modi’s July 2025 trip to the United Kingdom and aims to reaffirm a forward-looking partnership between the two nations.

The visit gains further significance as India and the UK signed the CETA on July 24 in London, following over three years of negotiations. The agreement, described by Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal as a “game-changing" deal, seeks to double bilateral trade to USD 120 billion by 2030. It is currently undergoing ratification and is expected to take effect in 2026.

Officials indicated that Starmer and Modi are expected to review developments under the agreement and discuss broader cooperation in trade, technology, and defence.

The meetings will also occur amid global economic uncertainty, with the UK securing a non-binding deal with the United States to reduce tariffs, while India has resumed trade talks with Washington over duties linked to Russian oil imports. The CETA represents India’s most significant trade pact with a Western nation and the UK’s most comprehensive post-Brexit agreement.