UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer visited Yash Raj Films studio in Mumbai on Wednesday during his two-day India trip. Actress Rani Mukerji and YRF CEO Akshaye Widhani welcomed him for a special screening. Children waved Indian and British flags as Starmer arrived, celebrating stronger cultural ties. He said the visit would boost film and trade partnerships between the UK and India. Widhani said hosting Starmer was special, marking 30 years of Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge. Both countries plan a new film cooperation deal to support filmmakers and strengthen global creative collaboration. (PC: X)

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, on his first official visit to India, met business leaders in Mumbai on Wednesday. He called the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signed in July the “biggest deal since leaving the European Union.” Starmer said the pact will boost trade between the two countries by £25.5 billion each year. The deal removes tariffs on goods like whisky, textiles, and cars. It is expected to create thousands of jobs in both nations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Starmer, calling the visit “historic” and key to a stronger India-UK partnership. (PC: X)

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has stated he will not increase visa access for high-skilled Indian workers as part of the new trade agreement. Speaking to journalists on his flight to Mumbai, he clarified that the free trade deal does not include new visa pathways. Starmer, who is on a two-day visit with a large delegation of business leaders, is facing pressure from companies concerned about labor shortages. He emphasized that the trade deal is about business engagement, investment, and job creation within the UK.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended a warm welcome to his British counterpart, Keir Starmer, on his "historic" first visit to India. The UK Prime Minister arrived in Mumbai with the largest-ever trade delegation from the United Kingdom. In a post on X, PM Modi expressed his anticipation for their meeting to advance a "stronger, mutually prosperous future." The two leaders are scheduled to hold bilateral talks and engage with business leaders to strengthen India-UK relations. (PC: PTI)

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) headquarters in Mumbai was ceremonially illuminated with the national flags of India and the UK on the occasion of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's visit to the country. This diplomatic gesture coincided with PM Starmer's two-day visit to India for bilateral talks and participation in the Fintech Fest. The illumination serves as a sign of the strengthening relationship and diplomatic ties between the two nations. The BMC building's facade, a landmark in itself, was adorned with the symbolic display to mark the occasion.

An 85-year-old vegetarian passenger, Dr. Asoka Jayaweera, reportedly died on a Qatar Airways flight from Los Angeles to Colombo after being served a meat-based meal. Despite pre-ordering a vegetarian meal, the flight crew allegedly told him to "eat around" the meat. While attempting to do so, Dr. Jayaweera began choking, and despite medical assistance, he never regained consciousness. The lawsuit filed by his family accuses Qatar Airways of negligence and wrongful death, citing a failure in meal service and inadequate medical response. The family also claims the flight could have been diverted to a closer airport, but instead, it continued to Edinburgh, Scotland, where he was pronounced dead. The cause of death was aspiration pneumonia.

Major U.S. tech firms are delaying data center investments in India due to growing trade tensions and regulatory uncertainties. According to a CNBC report (Oct 6, 2025), companies including Amazon, Google, and Microsoft have put expansion plans on hold as they evaluate the impact of India’s strict data localization rules and tariffs on imported tech equipment. The delays could impact India's ambitions to become a global digital hub. Industry insiders warn that without clearer policy frameworks, India risks losing billions in potential tech investment and digital infrastructure development. (PC: CNBC)

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has made clear that visa liberalisation with India “isn’t part of the plan,” even as he begins a two‑day trade mission focused on deepening economic ties. The recently signed UK‑India Free Trade Agreement remains strictly trade‑ and investment‑oriented, with no migration or visa provisions. Despite pressure from UK businesses to relax visa rules for Indian tech talent, Starmer held firm, citing domestic political sensitivity over immigration. He also flagged linking visa policy to returns agreements, though India already has such a returns accord in place. (PC: X)

A sharp decline in Indian students going to the US has been reported, with arrivals on student visas dropping by 44.5% in August 2025. Stricter US immigration policies—such as reduced visa durations, proposed caps on foreign students, social media scrutiny, and higher H-1B fees—have discouraged many. Students and parents cite stress, job insecurity, and revoked offers as major deterrents. Alternatives like the UK, Germany, Australia, and Singapore are gaining preference. Experts suggest this may signal a long-term shift in international student trends, with the US potentially losing its dominance in global education.

American tech enthusiast Tony Klor recently celebrated receiving a 5-year Indian B-1 visa, valid until 2030, calling it a sign that India is welcoming global talent in AI and blockchain. Sharing the news on X (formerly Twitter), he praised PM Narendra Modi for India’s openness, contrasting it with former U.S. President Donald Trump’s restrictive immigration stance. Klor wrote, “Trump says foreigners go kick rocks. Modi says welcome home bhai.” His post went viral, drawing praise from many Indians and sparking discussions about India's emerging role as a tech hub. The visa allows stays of up to 180 days per visit.