Starmer's India Trip: Trade Over Human Rights Concerns

Prime Minister Keir Starmer led the U.K.'s largest-ever trade delegation to India, aiming to sign investment-driving agreements. However, the trip was overshadowed by concerns about India's democratic backsliding and its continued funding of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Starmer's mission to India came as Narendra Modi sent a birthday message to Vladimir Putin, displaying his fondness for the Russian president. Despite this, Starmer did not publicly grill India over its funding of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, prioritizing trade over morals. India has been a major buyer of Russian oil, causing a diplomatic rift with the U.K.

The trip also raised concerns about India's democratic record under Modi's leadership. British Sikh activist Jagtar Singh Johal has been jailed in India for eight years without a full trial, but Starmer did not publicly rebuke India over the case. Meanwhile, India has been stringing Britain along over a free trade deal, with previous prime ministers Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak failing to secure an agreement.

Starmer's approach to human rights issues during his trip was consistent with his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping earlier in the year. He declined to condemn the jailing of pro-democracy figures in Hong Kong, prioritizing economic opportunities.

Starmer's India trip highlighted the delicate balance between trade and human rights in international relations. Despite concerns about India's democratic backsliding and its funding of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Starmer focused on strengthening economic ties, reflecting Britain's desire to accelerate its efforts in the face of Donald Trump's tariffs.