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Keir Starmer has stated that the truce deal in Gaza "could not have happened without President Trump's leadership," yet avoided endorsing the US president for a Nobel Prize.

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

Starmer commented that the first phase of the agreement would be a "welcome news globally" and highlighted that the UK had played its own role behind the scenes with the United States and negotiators.

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

Peace Prize Question Addressed

However, when asked if the Nobel prize committee should at this time grant Trump the coveted prize, the Prime Minister suggested 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 transitioning this from the stage it's at now ... and make a success of this, because that is important to me more than anything else," he stated at a media briefing in India's financial capital.

Trade and Investment Announced During India Visit

The Prime Minister has celebrated a number of deals sealed during his visit to the country – his first time there – joined by 126 business leaders and arts figures. The visit signifies the implementation of the countries' trade pact.

• The UK government has unveiled a slew of investments, from fintech to higher education facilities, as well as the making of three Bollywood films in the UK.
• On the final day, Starmer finalized a defence deal worth £350m for UK missiles, produced in Northern Ireland, to be used by the Indian military.

"Our history together is deep, the human connections between our citizens are truly special," Starmer remarked as he left the city. "Building on our landmark agreement, we are remaking this partnership for our era."

Digital Identification Initiative Examined

The Prime Minister has dedicated time in Mumbai studying the national digital identification program, including meeting key figures who designed the comprehensive platform utilized by over a billion individuals for social services, payments, and identification.

The prime minister hinted that the UK was considering expanding the application of digital ID beyond making it compulsory to verify eligibility to work. He proposed that the UK would in time look at connecting it to banking and transaction networks – on a optional basis – as well as for official procedures such as home loan and educational enrollments.

"It's been taken up on a optional basis [in India] in massive scale, partly because it means that you can access your own money, conduct transactions so much more conveniently than is possible with alternative methods," he explained.

"The speed with which it enables residents here to access services, especially financial services, is something that was recognized in our discussions recently, and in fact a Fintech conversation that we had today. So we're looking at those instances of how digital ID helps people with processes that often take too long and are overly complex and makes them easier for them."

Popular Backing for Reforms

Starmer admitted that the administration had to make the case for the reforms to the UK citizens, which have declined sharply in popularity since Starmer announced them.

"In my view now we need to go out and advocate for the huge benefits ... And I believe that the greater number of individuals see the positive outcomes that come with this ... as has happened in different nations, citizens say: 'That will simplify my daily routine,' and therefore I want to proceed with it," he stated.

Rights Issues and Global Affairs Discussed

The Prime Minister confirmed he had brought up a number of difficult topics with the Indian leader regarding human rights and ties with Russia, though he seemed to have made minimal progress. Starmer confirmed that he and Prime Minister Modi talked about how India was persisting to purchase Russian oil, which is facing widespread western sanctions.

"For prime minister Modi and myself the priority on ending this conflict and the various steps will be implemented to that purpose," he said. "This included a broad spectrum of discussion, but we outlined the actions that we are taking in regarding energy."

Starmer additionally said he had raised the situation of the British Sikh activist Jagtar Singh Johal, from Scotland, who has been held in an Indian jail for nearly eight years without undergoing a complete legal process. It is frequently mentioned as one of the worst examples of unfair treatment among Britons still held abroad.

But, Starmer did not suggest much advancement had been achieved. "Indeed, we brought up the diplomatic matters," he stated. "We always raise them when we have the chance to do so. I should say that the top diplomat is meeting the families in coming weeks, as well as raising it today."

Future Plans

Starmer is largely anticipated to take a comparable business-oriented visit to China in the next 12 months as part of a effort to improve diplomatic ties between the UK and the Asian nation.

This bilateral connection is under the spotlight because of the dismissal of a Chinese spying case, reportedly occurring because the UK has been unwilling to provide new proof that China is considered a threat.

Starmer clarified the UK was keen to explore other trading relationships but emphasized that a trade deal with China was not currently planned. "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 ongoing approach of the government in relation to China."