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Keir Starmer has stated that the Gaza ceasefire agreement "would not have occurred without the leadership of Donald Trump," but stopped short of supporting the US president for a Nobel peace prize.

Truce Agreement Hailed as a "Relief to the World"

Starmer remarked that the first phase of the deal would be a "welcome news globally" and noted that the UK had contributed significantly behind the scenes with the US and negotiators.

Addressing the media on the last day of his trade visit to India, Starmer stressed that the agreement "needs to be put into action in full, without postponement, and accompanied by the prompt removal of all restrictions on life-saving humanitarian aid to Gaza."

Peace Prize Question Addressed

However, when questioned if the Nobel prize committee should now award Trump the coveted prize, Starmer suggested that more time was needed to determine if a durable peace could be achieved.

"The priority now is to press on and execute this ... my focus now is transitioning 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 stated at a press conference in India's financial capital.

Trade and Investment Revealed During Trip to India

The Prime Minister has hailed a series of agreements finalized during his visit to the country – his maiden visit there – joined by over a hundred executives and cultural leaders. The visit marks the implementation of the countries' free trade agreement.

• No 10 has unveiled a range of financial commitments, from fintech to university campuses, as well as the production of multiple Indian movies in the United Kingdom.
• On the final day, Starmer signed a defence deal worth £350m for British-made missiles, manufactured in Northern Ireland, to be used by the Indian military.

"Our history together is profound, the personal ties between our citizens are truly special," Starmer remarked as he departed Mumbai. "Building on our landmark agreement, we are remaking this partnership for our era."

Digital ID Initiative Examined

Starmer has dedicated time in India analyzing the Indian digital ID system, including meeting principal architects who designed the comprehensive platform utilized by over a billion individuals for benefits, payments, and verification.

The prime minister hinted that the United Kingdom was interested in expanding the application of digital ID beyond making it compulsory to verify eligibility to work. He proposed that the Britain would in time look at connecting it to banking and payments systems – on a voluntary basis – as well as for administrative tasks such as mortgage and school applications.

"It has been adopted on a optional basis [in India] in massive scale, not least because it means that you can retrieve your own money, make payments so much more conveniently than is available with others," he noted.

"The efficiency with which it enables residents here to utilize facilities, particularly financial services, is something that was recognized in our discussions yesterday, and actually a financial technology discussion that we had as well. So we're looking at those instances of how digital identification assists people with processes that sometimes take too long and are overly complex and makes them easier for them."

Popular Backing for Changes

Starmer acknowledged that the government had to build public support for the initiatives to the UK citizens, which have plummeted in popularity since he announced them.

"I think now we need to go out and make that case the huge benefits ... And I believe that the greater number of individuals see the benefits that accompany this ... as has occurred in different nations, citizens say: 'That will make my life easier,' and consequently I want to proceed with it," he stated.

Human Rights and Global Affairs Discussed

Starmer confirmed he had brought up a number of difficult topics with the Indian leader regarding civil liberties and ties with the Russian Federation, though he appeared to have made minimal progress. Starmer acknowledged that he and Modi discussed how the country was continuing to purchase Russian oil, which is subject to extensive international restrictions.

"For both Prime Minister Modi and me the priority on ending this conflict and the multiple measures will be implemented to that purpose," he commented. "This included a broad spectrum of dialogue, but we outlined the steps that we are taking in relation to energy."

Starmer additionally said he had raised the situation of the UK-based activist Jagtar Singh Johal, from Scotland, who has been held in an Indian prison for almost a decade without undergoing a full trial. It is often cited as one of the most egregious cases of unfair treatment among UK nationals currently detained overseas.

But, Starmer did not suggest much progress had been made. "Indeed, we did raise the consular cases," he said. "We always raise them when we have the opportunity to do so. I must add that the top diplomat is scheduled to meet the families in coming weeks, as well as raising it now."

Upcoming Initiatives

The prime minister is widely expected to take a similar business-oriented trip to China in the coming year as part of a mission to ease diplomatic ties between the United Kingdom and the Asian nation.

That relationship is receiving attention because of the collapse of a espionage investigation, reportedly occurring because the British authorities has been unwilling to provide new proof that the country is considered a threat.

The Prime Minister said the United Kingdom was keen to pursue other trading relationships but emphasized that a commercial agreement with the nation was not on the agenda. "It is not a priority, for a trade deal as such, but our position is to cooperate where we are able, confront where we must, and this has been the ongoing approach of the government in relation to China."