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Keir Starmer has stated that the truce deal in Gaza "would not have occurred without the leadership of Donald Trump," but stopped short of endorsing the American leader for a Nobel Prize.

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

The prime minister commented that the initial stage of the agreement would be a "relief to the world" and noted that the United Kingdom had contributed significantly behind the scenes with the United States and negotiators.

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

Peace Prize Inquiry Answered

But, when questioned if the Nobel committee should at this time grant Trump the prestigious award, Starmer suggested that more time was required to determine if a longer lasting peace could be achieved.

"The priority now is to move forward and execute this ... my focus now is transitioning this from the phase it's at now ... and ensure the success of this, because that is important to me more than anything else," he stated at a media briefing in Mumbai.

Trade and Investment Announced During India Visit

The Prime Minister has hailed a number of deals finalized during his visit to India – his maiden visit there – accompanied by over a hundred executives and cultural leaders. The trip marks the passing of the two nations' free trade agreement.

• The UK government has unveiled a range of financial commitments, from fintech to university campuses, as well as the making of multiple Indian movies in the United Kingdom.
• On Thursday, the Prime Minister finalized a defence deal worth £350 million for British-made missiles, manufactured in the UK region, to be used by the Indian military.

"Our history together is profound, the personal ties between our citizens are truly special," Starmer remarked as he left the city. "Expanding upon our landmark agreement, we are remaking this alliance for our times."

Digital ID Initiative Studied

Starmer has spent time in Mumbai studying the Indian digital ID system, including meeting key figures who designed the comprehensive platform used by over a billion individuals for benefits, transactions, and identification.

He hinted that the United Kingdom was interested in expanding the application of digital ID beyond making it compulsory to prove rights to work. He proposed that the UK would eventually look at linking it to financial and payments systems – on a optional basis – as well as for official procedures such as mortgage and educational enrollments.

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

"The speed with which it allows residents here to utilize facilities, particularly financial services, is something that was recognized in our discussions recently, and in fact a Fintech discussion that we had today. So we're looking at those examples of how digital identification assists people with processes that often take excessive time and are too cumbersome and makes them easier for them."

Popular Backing for Reforms

Starmer admitted that the administration had to build public support for the initiatives to the British public, which have declined sharply in popularity since he proposed them.

"In my view now we need to go out and advocate for the significant advantages ... And I believe that the more people see the positive outcomes that come with this ... as has occurred in different nations, citizens say: 'That will make my life easier,' and therefore I want to proceed with it," he stated.

Rights Issues and Global Affairs Addressed

Starmer confirmed he had raised a number of difficult topics with the Indian premier regarding human rights and relations with the Russian Federation, though he appeared to have made little headway. He confirmed that he and Modi talked about how India was persisting to buy oil from Russia, which is facing widespread western sanctions.

"For prime minister Modi and myself the focus on resolving this situation and the various steps will be taken to that end," he commented. "And that was a wide range of discussion, but we outlined the actions that we are taking in regarding energy."

The Prime Minister additionally said he had raised the case of the UK-based activist the individual, from Dumbarton, who has been detained in an Indian jail for nearly eight years without undergoing a complete legal process. It is often cited as one of the worst examples of unfair treatment among Britons currently detained abroad.

But, he did not indicate much progress had been made. "Yes, we did raise the diplomatic matters," he said. "We consistently address them when we have the opportunity to do so. I should say that the top diplomat is meeting the families in the near future, as well as discussing it now."

Upcoming Initiatives

The prime minister is widely expected to take a similar trade-focused visit to China in the next 12 months as part of a mission to ease relations between the United Kingdom and the Asian nation.

That relationship is receiving attention because of the collapse of a espionage investigation, reportedly occurring because the British authorities has been reluctant to provide new proof that China is considered a security risk.

The Prime Minister said the United Kingdom was eager to explore other trading relationships but stated that a commercial agreement with China was not on the agenda. "It is not a priority, for a bilateral pact as such, but our stance is to cooperate where we can, confront where we must, and this has been the ongoing approach of the administration in relation to China."