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The Prime Minister has declared that the truce deal in Gaza "would not have occurred without President Trump's leadership," but avoided supporting the American leader for a Nobel Prize.

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

The prime minister commented that the initial stage of the deal would be a "welcome news globally" and highlighted that the UK had played its own role behind the scenes with the United States and mediators.

Addressing the media on the final day of his trade visit to the Indian subcontinent, Starmer emphasized that the agreement "needs to be put into action in full, without delay, and paired with the immediate lifting of all limitations on critical humanitarian aid to Gaza."

Nobel Prize Question Answered

However, when questioned if the Nobel committee should now award Trump the coveted award, Starmer suggested that more time was required to determine if a durable peace could be attained.

"What matters now is to press on and implement this ... my attention 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 told reporters at a media briefing in Mumbai.

Business Deals Revealed During India Visit

The Prime Minister has celebrated a number of deals sealed during his tour to the country – his maiden visit there – accompanied by over a hundred executives and arts figures. The visit signifies the passing of the two nations' trade pact.

• The UK government has unveiled a slew of investments, from financial technology to higher education facilities, as well as the production of multiple Indian movies in the UK.
• On Thursday, the Prime Minister signed a defence deal worth £350 million for UK missiles, manufactured in the UK region, to be deployed by the Indian military.

"Our history together is profound, the personal ties between our citizens are truly special," Starmer remarked as he departed the city. "Building on our landmark agreement, we are remaking this partnership for our times."

Digital ID Initiative Examined

Starmer has spent time in Mumbai analyzing the Indian digital ID system, including meeting key figures who designed the comprehensive platform used by more than 1 billion people for social services, payments, and identification.

He hinted that the United Kingdom was considering expanding the application of digital ID beyond making it compulsory to verify eligibility to work. He indicated that the Britain would eventually look at connecting it to financial and payments systems – on a optional basis – as well as for official procedures such as mortgage and school applications.

"It has been adopted on a voluntary basis [in India] in massive scale, partly because it means that you can access your own money, make payments so much more conveniently than is possible with others," he explained.

"The efficiency with which it allows residents here to utilize facilities, especially financial services, is something that was recognized in our discussions recently, and in fact a financial technology discussion that we had as well. So we're examining those examples of how digital identification helps individuals with procedures that often take excessive time and are overly complex and makes them easier for them."

Public Support for Changes

Starmer acknowledged that the government had to build public support for the reforms to the UK citizens, which have declined sharply in public approval since he announced them.

"I think now we need to go out and advocate for the huge benefits ... And I think that the more people see the positive outcomes that accompany 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 International Relations Discussed

Starmer confirmed he had brought up a range of challenging issues with the Indian premier regarding civil liberties and relations with the Russian Federation, though he appeared to have made little headway. He acknowledged that he and Prime Minister Modi discussed how India was persisting to buy oil from Russia, which is subject to widespread western sanctions.

"For both Prime Minister Modi and me the priority on resolving this conflict and the multiple measures will be implemented to that end," he said. "And that was a wide range of dialogue, but we outlined the actions that we are taking in regarding energy."

Starmer also mentioned he had brought up the situation of the UK-based activist Jagtar Singh Johal, from Scotland, who has been detained in an Indian prison for nearly eight years without undergoing a complete legal process. It is often cited as one of the worst examples of injustice among UK nationals currently detained overseas.

However, he did not indicate much advancement had been made. "Yes, we did raise the consular cases," he said. "We always raise them when we have the chance to do so. I must add that the top diplomat is scheduled to meet the relatives in the near future, as well as discussing it today."

Upcoming Initiatives

Starmer is widely expected to take a comparable business-oriented visit to the People's Republic of China in the coming year as part of a mission to ease diplomatic ties between the United Kingdom and the Asian nation.

This bilateral connection is receiving attention because of the dismissal of a Chinese spying case, reportedly occurring because the UK has been reluctant to provide new proof that China is considered a security risk.

The Prime Minister said the United Kingdom was keen to explore other trading relationships but emphasized that a commercial agreement with the nation was not on the agenda. "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 regarding China."