Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday praised the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between India and the UK, saying the pact will bring significant advantages for both businesses and consumers.In a joint statement with UK PM Keir Starmer, PM Modi said, “With this Agreement, (Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement), the import cost between the two countries will come down, new employment opportunities will be generated for the youth, trade will increase and this will benefit our industries and consumers.”

He further appreciated Starmer’s visit to the country, saying, “your visit to India within just a few months of signing the Agreement, with the biggest business delegation ever accompanying you, is a symbol of the new vigour in India-UK partnership.”He said that the ties between the two nations have seen significant progress “under the leadership of PM Starmer.”The PM also called India and UK “natural partners.”Starmer also hailed the agreement, calling it a breakthrough moment. “We are creating a new modern partnership focussed on the future. The UK-India Comprehensive Trade Agreement in July….a breakthrough moment… years in the making.”He said that cutting tariffs and increasing access to each other’s markets will drive growth and create jobs for people and enhance life in both nations.PM Modi met the British PM in Mumbai as the UK leader undertook his first official visit to India. During his visit, Starmer held wide-ranging interactions with business leaders and delegations, describing the India-UK trade partnership as “really important.” Earlier on Wednesday, the UK PM called for the FTA between the two nations to be implemented as soon as “humanly possible,” calling it the country’s largest deal since Brexit.The two nations signed the CETA back in July this year, when PM Modi visited the country.