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

Ceasefire Deal Welcomed as a "Relief to the Globe"

The prime minister remarked that the initial stage of the deal would be a "relief to the world" and highlighted that the UK had contributed significantly in private discussions with the US and negotiators.

Speaking on the final day of his trade visit to the Indian subcontinent, the British leader stressed that the deal "must now be implemented in full, without delay, and accompanied by the prompt removal of all limitations on critical humanitarian aid to Gaza."

Peace Prize Question Addressed

But, when asked if the Nobel prize committee should at this time award Trump the prestigious award, Starmer suggested that more time was required to know if a durable peace could be achieved.

"What matters now is to move forward and implement this ... my focus now is transitioning this from the stage it's at now ... and ensure the success of this, because that matters to me above all," he stated at a media briefing in Mumbai.

Business Deals Revealed During Trip to India

The Prime Minister has hailed 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 passing of the two nations' free trade agreement.

• The UK government has unveiled a slew of investments, from fintech to university campuses, as well as the production of three Bollywood films in the United Kingdom.
• On the final day, the Prime Minister signed a defence deal worth £350 million for British-made missiles, produced in the UK region, to be used by the Indian military.

"The shared history is profound, the personal ties between our people are exceptionally strong," he remarked as he left the city. "Building on our landmark agreement, we are reinventing this partnership for our era."

Digital ID Initiative Studied

The Prime Minister has spent time in Mumbai analyzing the Indian digital ID system, including consulting principal architects who developed the widespread system used by more than 1 billion people for benefits, transactions, and verification.

The prime minister hinted that the UK was considering broadening the application of digital identification beyond making it mandatory to prove rights to work. He proposed that the UK would in time look at linking it to banking and transaction networks – on a optional basis – as well as for administrative tasks such as mortgage and educational enrollments.

"It has been adopted on a voluntary basis [in India] in huge numbers, not least because it means that you can access your own money, make payments so much more easily than is available with others," he explained.

"The speed with which it allows residents here to access services, particularly banking options, is something that was acknowledged in our discussions recently, and in fact a financial technology conversation that we had today. So we're looking at those instances of how digital ID assists people with procedures that often take excessive time and are overly complex and simplifies them for them."

Popular Backing for Changes

Starmer admitted that the administration had to make the case for the reforms to the UK citizens, which have declined sharply in public approval since he proposed them.

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

Rights Issues and International Relations Addressed

Starmer confirmed he had raised a range of challenging issues with the Indian leader regarding human rights and ties with Russia, though he seemed to have made little headway. Starmer confirmed that he and Modi discussed how the country was persisting to purchase oil from Russia, which is subject to widespread western sanctions.

"For both Prime Minister Modi and me the focus on ending this situation and the multiple measures will be taken to that purpose," he commented. "This included a broad spectrum of discussion, but we outlined the actions that we are taking in relation to energy."

The Prime Minister also said he had raised the case of the British Sikh activist the individual, from Scotland, who has been held in an Indian prison for almost a decade without facing a complete legal process. It is often cited as one of the most egregious cases of injustice among Britons still held overseas.

But, Starmer did not indicate much advancement had been achieved. "Indeed, we did raise the consular cases," he said. "We consistently address them when we have the opportunity to do so. I should say that the foreign secretary is scheduled to meet the families in the near future, as well as discussing it today."

Upcoming Initiatives

Starmer is widely expected to take a similar trade-focused visit to China in the next 12 months as part of a mission to improve diplomatic ties between the UK and China.

That relationship is under the spotlight because of the dismissal of a espionage investigation, reportedly occurring because the British authorities has been reluctant to provide new proof that the country is considered a security risk.

Starmer clarified the UK was eager to pursue additional commercial partnerships but stated that a trade deal with the nation 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 can, challenge where we must, and that's been the ongoing approach of the administration in relation to China."