Starmer says the issue of India buying Russian oil was raised directly with Modi

Sir keir starmer directly raised the issue of India bought Russian oil when he got it Narendra ModiThe Prime Minister Said.

The Indian leader has described himself as a friend of Russia’s Vladimir Putin, which has led to a disagreement with him over Moscow’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

India continues to buy oil from Russia as the West increases sanctions aimed at weakening its war effort.

Speaking after he and Mr Modi met at the Raj Bhavan, the state residence in Mumbai, Sir Keir suggested the pair had talked about moving India away from reliance on fossil fuels since they met during Sir Keir’s trade mission to the country.

At a press conference, reporters asked him whether he had directly raised the issue of India buying Russian oil in his one-on-one meeting with Mr Modi on Thursday, the second day of his trade mission.

The Prime Minister said: “Yes, we discussed this with President Modi this morning, and we both discussed the steps being taken to resolve the conflict.

“We emphasized, in particular, our focus on the shadow fleet and the work we are doing leading a coalition of interested people.”

When asked about Mr Modi’s close ties with the Russian president earlier in the visit, Sir Keir turned to speaking about Britain’s efforts to tighten sanctions on Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet”.

Moscow uses this fleet to sell oil and gas illegally around the world and avoid sanctions.

Sir Keir spoke at a press conference praising the UK-India trade deal and the “remarkable” opportunities achieved during his visit.

The Prime Minister said: “This is a huge deal for the United Kingdom, India’s most ambitious trade deal ever.

“And like our deals with the US and the EU, people said it would never happen. They said it couldn’t be done. But we did it because of the vision of this government – ​​outward looking, proud and committed to doing something for Britain.

“And as a result, we are opening up new opportunities in India for British businesses. Opportunities that other countries don’t have. It’s given us a unique edge.”

Investments announced during the visit include a £350 million deal to sell light multi-role missiles to India manufactured by Thales in Belfast.

Both the UK and India have agreed on the need to enhance security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, where China is gaining increasing influence.

Meanwhile, nine British universities are planning to build campuses in India with the aim of taking advantage of the growing student population.

On the other hand, the new trade arrangements will result in the creation of around 7,000 jobs in the UK as a result of Indian investment. Downing Street It is said to be costing the UK around £1.3 billion.

And Yash Raj Films, one of India’s leading Bollywood studios, is planning to make three films in Britain next year.

New flights between the UK and Indian cities were also announced as travel resumed.

Sir Keir also suggested on Thursday that he was open to India getting a permanent seat on the UN Security Council.

The Prime Minister reiterated sentiments expressed earlier by countries including Germany and the US, saying India will take “its rightful place” in the council.

Mr Modi praised the Prime Minister for making “considerable progress” in relations between India and Britain with a trade deal signed together in July.

Mr Modi said: “Your visit to India within just a few months of concluding the agreement and the fact that you brought with you the largest business delegation ever is testament to the new energy in UK-India relations.”

The Prime Minister was given a warm welcome in Mumbai during the visit, with around 5,700 posters, banners and hoardings bearing his face and congratulatory messages put up on the streets of the city.

Mr Modi is understood to have asked the Maharashtra state government to ensure that Sir Keir is welcomed in India.

At the Raj Bhavan, Mr Modi and Sir Keir walked through the tranquil seaside gardens of the palatial residence before heading to work.

Mr Modi later hosted the Prime Minister for lunch, which featured a variety of traditional vegetarian Indian dishes.

As Sir Keir and his counterpart dined, they were entertained with songs by a group of Indian traditional musicians.

The set list included covers of Ed Sheeran’s song Sapphire and The Beatles’ Here Comes the Sun.