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Keir Starmer has declared that the truce deal in Gaza "could not have happened without the leadership of Donald Trump," yet avoided supporting the US president for a Nobel Prize.

Truce Agreement Hailed as a "Relief to the World"

Starmer remarked that the initial stage of the deal would be a "welcome news globally" and highlighted that the UK had contributed significantly in private discussions with the US and mediators.

Speaking on the last day of his business trip to the Indian subcontinent, the British leader emphasized that the deal "needs to be put into action in full, without postponement, and accompanied by the prompt removal of all limitations on critical humanitarian aid to Gaza."

Nobel Prize Question Addressed

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

"The priority now is to move forward and execute this ... my focus now is transitioning this from the stage it's at now ... and ensure the success of this, because that is important to me above all," he told reporters at a media briefing in India's financial capital.

Trade and Investment Revealed During India Visit

Starmer has celebrated a series of agreements finalized during his tour to India – his first time there – accompanied by 126 business leaders and cultural leaders. The visit marks the implementation of the countries' free trade agreement.

• No 10 has unveiled a slew of investments, from fintech to university campuses, as well as the production of multiple Indian movies in the UK.
• On the final day, the Prime Minister signed a defence deal worth £350m for UK missiles, manufactured in Northern Ireland, to be deployed by the Indian military.

"Our history together is deep, the personal ties between our people are truly special," Starmer remarked as he departed Mumbai. "Expanding upon our landmark agreement, we are remaking this partnership for our times."

Digital Identification Initiative Examined

The Prime Minister has dedicated time in India analyzing the national digital identification program, including meeting principal architects who developed the comprehensive platform utilized by over a billion individuals for benefits, payments, and verification.

He hinted that the United Kingdom was considering expanding the application of digital ID beyond making it mandatory to prove rights to work. He proposed that the Britain would eventually look at linking it to financial and payments systems – on a voluntary basis – as well as for administrative tasks such as home loan and educational enrollments.

"It has been adopted on a optional basis [in India] in huge numbers, not least because it ensures that you can access your own funds, conduct transactions so much more conveniently than is available with alternative methods," he explained.

"The speed with which it allows residents here to access services, particularly banking options, is something that was acknowledged in our talks yesterday, and actually a Fintech discussion that we had today. So we're looking at those instances of how digital ID assists people with procedures that often take too long and are too cumbersome and makes them easier for them."

Public Support for Reforms

Starmer acknowledged that the government had to build public support for the reforms to the UK citizens, which have declined sharply in popularity since Starmer proposed them.

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

Rights Issues and Global Affairs Addressed

The Prime Minister confirmed he had brought up a number of difficult topics with the Indian leader regarding human rights and ties with the Russian Federation, though he appeared to have made minimal progress. Starmer confirmed that he and Modi talked about how the country was persisting to purchase Russian oil, which is facing extensive international restrictions.

"For both Prime Minister Modi and me the priority on resolving this conflict and the various steps will be taken to that purpose," he commented. "And that was a broad spectrum of dialogue, but we outlined the actions that we are undertaking in relation to energy."

The Prime Minister additionally said he had brought up the situation of the British Sikh activist Jagtar Singh Johal, from Dumbarton, who has been held in an Indian jail for nearly eight years without undergoing a full trial. It is frequently mentioned as one of the most egregious cases of injustice among Britons currently detained overseas.

However, Starmer did not suggest much advancement had been achieved. "Indeed, we did raise the consular cases," he said. "We consistently address them when we have the chance to do so. I must add that the top diplomat is scheduled to meet the families in the near future, as well as discussing it now."

Future Plans

The prime minister is widely expected to take a comparable trade-focused visit to China in the coming year as part of a effort to ease relations between the UK and China.

That relationship is receiving attention because of the dismissal of a espionage investigation, reportedly occurring because the British authorities has been unwilling to provide fresh evidence that the country is considered a security risk.

Starmer clarified the UK was eager to pursue other trading relationships but emphasized that a commercial agreement with China was not currently planned. "It is not a priority, for a trade deal as such, but our stance is to cooperate where we can, confront where we need to, and that's been the consistent policy of the government in relation to China."