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

Truce Agreement Hailed as a "Welcome Development to the World"

The prime minister commented that the first phase of the agreement would be a "relief to the world" and highlighted that the United Kingdom had contributed significantly behind the scenes with the US and mediators.

Speaking on the last day of his trade visit to the Indian subcontinent, the British leader stressed that the deal "must now be implemented in full, without postponement, and accompanied by the immediate lifting of all limitations on life-saving humanitarian aid to Gaza."

Nobel Prize Question Addressed

However, when questioned if the Nobel committee should now award Trump the coveted prize, the Prime Minister implied that time was needed to know if a longer lasting peace could be achieved.

"What matters now is to move forward and execute this ... my focus now is transitioning this from the stage it's at now ... and make a 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 Trip to India

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

• The UK government has unveiled a range of financial commitments, from financial technology to university campuses, as well as the production of three Bollywood films in the United Kingdom.
• On Thursday, the Prime Minister signed a defence deal worth £350 million for British-made missiles, manufactured in the UK region, to be used by the Indian army.

"Our history together is profound, the personal ties between our citizens are exceptionally strong," Starmer said as he left Mumbai. "Expanding upon our historic trade deal, we are reinventing this alliance for our era."

Digital ID System Examined

Starmer has spent time in Mumbai studying the national digital identification program, including consulting principal architects who designed the widespread system utilized by over a billion individuals for social services, payments, and verification.

The prime minister suggested that the United Kingdom was interested in broadening the application of digital ID beyond making it compulsory to prove rights to work. He proposed that the Britain would eventually look at connecting it to financial and payments systems – on a optional basis – as well as for administrative tasks such as mortgage and school applications.

"It's been taken up on a optional basis [in India] in huge numbers, not least because it means that you can retrieve your own money, make payments so much more conveniently than is possible with alternative methods," he noted.

"The efficiency with which it enables citizens here to access services, especially financial services, is something that was acknowledged in our discussions yesterday, and in fact a financial technology discussion that we had today. So we're examining those examples of how digital ID assists individuals with processes that often take too long and are overly complex and makes them easier for them."

Popular Backing for Changes

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

"In my view now we need to go out and advocate for the significant advantages ... And I believe that the greater number of individuals see the positive outcomes that accompany this ... as has happened in different nations, citizens say: 'That will make my life easier,' and therefore I want to get on with it," he stated.

Human Rights and Global Affairs Discussed

The Prime Minister confirmed he had brought up a range of challenging issues with the Indian premier regarding civil liberties and relations with Russia, though he seemed to have made minimal progress. Starmer confirmed that he and Modi discussed how the country was continuing to purchase Russian oil, which is subject to extensive international restrictions.

"For prime minister Modi and myself the priority on resolving this conflict and the multiple measures will be implemented to that end," he commented. "And that was a broad spectrum of discussion, but we did set out the steps that we are taking in regarding energy."

The Prime Minister also mentioned he had brought up the case of the UK-based activist the individual, from Dumbarton, who has been held in an Indian prison for nearly eight years without facing a full trial. It is frequently mentioned as one of the worst examples of injustice among Britons currently detained overseas.

But, Starmer did not indicate much advancement had been achieved. "Indeed, we brought up the diplomatic matters," 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 relatives in coming weeks, as well as discussing it today."

Upcoming Initiatives

The prime minister is largely anticipated to take a similar trade-focused visit to China in the coming year as part of a mission to improve relations between the UK and China.

This bilateral connection is under the spotlight because of the dismissal of a espionage investigation, said to have happened because the British authorities has been reluctant to provide new proof that the country is deemed a threat.

The Prime Minister clarified the UK was eager to pursue other trading relationships but emphasized that a commercial agreement with the nation was not currently planned. "That's not on our list, for a trade deal as such, but our position is to cooperate where we are able, confront where we must, and that's been the ongoing approach of the government in relation to China."