UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer began a two-day visit to India on Wednesday and Thursday, accompanied by over a hundred leaders from business, culture, and academia, in an effort to support the recently signed trade agreement.

Britain and India signed a free trade agreement in July during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit, agreeing to reduce tariffs on various goods such as textiles, cars, and whiskey, and to increase companies’ market access.

Trade talks concluded in May after intermittent negotiations over three years, with both countries rushing to finalize the deal amid tariff disruptions driven by US President Donald Trump.

The agreement between the world’s fifth and sixth largest economies aims to increase bilateral trade by £25.5 billion ($34 billion) by 2040.

Starmer’s visit, accompanied by executives from major companies such as oil giant BP, Rolls-Royce, and telecom firm BT, aims to maximize the benefits of Britain’s largest trade deal since leaving the European Union.

Starmer said, “This is not just a piece of paper, but a starting point for growth,” adding that India is expected to become the world’s third-largest economy by 2028.

He added, “The opportunities awaiting those who seize them are unparalleled.”

Starmer will hold talks with Modi on Thursday. Both sides say they look forward to ratifying the agreement and implementing it within the next year.