Évian, France: A brief exchange between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the G7 Summit has sparked widespread speculation that India and the United Kingdom may have overcome a key hurdle in implementing their landmark trade agreement. The conversation, inadvertently picked up by microphones, quickly drew global attention.
As the two leaders greeted each other on the sidelines of the summit in Évian, Modi was heard saying, “We did it,” to which Starmer replied, “We did it. Yes, yes, yes. We got it over the line.” The remarks immediately fueled speculation that both governments had reached a breakthrough on unresolved issues related to the India-UK trade pact.
Although neither leader explicitly mentioned the trade agreement during the exchange, reports indicate the conversation likely referred to efforts to resolve differences that had delayed the implementation of the comprehensive economic and trade agreement signed between the two countries.
The agreement had faced recent challenges, particularly over Britain’s steel safeguard measures. Indian officials had expressed concerns that the UK’s revised import rules could affect Indian steel exports and had signaled they might reconsider certain concessions under the trade deal if the issue remained unresolved.
Following the hot-mic moment, an aide was reportedly heard discussing how the development should be announced, prompting further speculation that an official statement could be forthcoming. Starmer suggested that their teams coordinate the communication strategy, indicating that discussions had progressed significantly.
The incident occurred during a broader series of bilateral meetings held by Modi at the G7 Summit. The Indian Prime Minister met several world leaders, including Starmer, to discuss trade, investment, technology and strategic cooperation.
Official readouts from the India-UK bilateral meeting stopped short of announcing any breakthrough but noted that both leaders looked forward to the early implementation of the trade agreement. The statement suggested that both sides remain committed to strengthening economic ties and expanding opportunities for businesses and investors.
The India-UK trade pact is expected to reduce tariffs, improve market access and boost cooperation across sectors including goods, services, pharmaceuticals, technology and investment. Economists believe the agreement could significantly increase bilateral trade and strengthen economic relations between the two countries over the coming years.
While no formal announcement has yet confirmed the resolution of all outstanding issues, the widely discussed exchange between Modi and Starmer has raised expectations that a major step forward has been achieved. Investors, businesses and policymakers in both countries will now be watching closely for an official confirmation and details of the next phase of the agreement.
