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Keir Starmer has stated that the Gaza ceasefire agreement "could not have happened without President Trump's leadership," yet avoided endorsing the US president for a Nobel peace prize.

Ceasefire Deal Welcomed as a "Welcome Development to the World"

The prime minister commented that the first phase of the agreement would be a "welcome news globally" and highlighted that the United Kingdom had contributed significantly behind the scenes with the United States and mediators.

Speaking on the final day of his trade visit to the Indian subcontinent, Starmer emphasized that the agreement "needs to be put into action in full, without postponement, and paired with the prompt removal of all limitations on life-saving humanitarian aid to Gaza."

Peace Prize Question Addressed

But, when questioned if the Nobel prize committee should now award Trump the prestigious prize, the Prime Minister implied that time was needed to know if a durable peace could be achieved.

"What matters now is to press on and execute this ... my attention now is moving this from the phase it's at now ... and make a success of this, because that matters to me more than anything else," he stated at a press conference in India's financial capital.

Trade and Investment Announced During India Visit

Starmer has hailed a number of deals sealed during his tour to India – his maiden visit there – accompanied by 126 business leaders and arts figures. The trip signifies the passing of the countries' free trade agreement.

• No 10 has unveiled a slew of investments, from financial technology to higher education facilities, as well as the making of three Bollywood films in the UK.
• On Thursday, Starmer signed a military agreement worth £350 million 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 remarked as he left Mumbai. "Building on our landmark agreement, we are remaking this alliance for our times."

Digital ID System Studied

Starmer has spent time in Mumbai analyzing the Indian digital ID system, including meeting key figures who developed the comprehensive platform utilized by over a billion individuals for benefits, transactions, and identification.

The prime minister suggested that the UK was considering expanding the scope of digital ID beyond making it mandatory to prove rights to work. He proposed that the Britain would in time look at linking it to banking and payments systems – on a voluntary basis – as well as for official procedures such as mortgage and educational enrollments.

"It has been adopted on a optional basis [in India] in huge numbers, partly because it means that you can access your own funds, make payments so much more conveniently than is possible with alternative methods," he explained.

"The speed with which it enables residents here to access services, particularly financial services, is something that was recognized in our discussions yesterday, and actually a Fintech conversation that we had as well. So we're examining those examples of how digital identification assists people with procedures that sometimes take too long and are too cumbersome and makes them easier for them."

Public Support for Reforms

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

"I think now we need to go out and make that case the huge benefits ... And I think that the more people see the positive outcomes that accompany this ... as has occurred in other countries, people say: 'That will simplify my daily routine,' and consequently I want to get on with it," he stated.

Rights Issues and International Relations Discussed

Starmer confirmed he had brought up a number of difficult topics with the Indian premier regarding human rights and ties with the Russian Federation, though he appeared to have made minimal progress. He confirmed that he and Modi talked about how India was persisting to buy oil from Russia, which is subject to widespread western sanctions.

"For both Prime Minister Modi and me the focus on resolving this conflict and the various steps will be implemented to that end," he commented. "And that was a wide range of dialogue, but we did set out the steps that we are undertaking in relation to energy."

The Prime Minister also mentioned he had brought up the situation of the British Sikh activist the individual, from Scotland, who has been detained in an Indian prison for almost a decade without facing a complete legal process. It is often cited as one of the worst examples of injustice among UK nationals currently detained overseas.

However, he did not indicate much progress had been made. "Indeed, we brought up the consular cases," he stated. "We always raise them when we have the chance to do so. I should say that the foreign secretary is scheduled to meet the families in the near future, as well as discussing it now."

Upcoming Initiatives

Starmer is largely anticipated to take a similar trade-focused visit to China in the next 12 months as part of a mission to improve relations between the UK and the Asian nation.

This bilateral connection is receiving attention because of the dismissal of a espionage investigation, said to have happened because the UK has been unwilling to provide new proof that the country is considered a security risk.

The Prime Minister said the UK was keen to pursue additional commercial partnerships but stated that a commercial agreement with the nation was not on the agenda. "That's not on our list, for a trade deal as such, but our stance is to work together where we are able, challenge where we must, and that's been the consistent policy of the administration in regarding China."