Global diplomatic efforts recently culminated in significant developments concerning international relations and trade. Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer both engaged with US President Donald Trump regarding a historic Gaza peace plan. Modi conveyed his congratulations to Trump on the success of the plan, while Starmer lauded Trump's leadership, stating the deal "would not have happened without President Trump's leadership" and calling it a "real breakthrough" and a "relief to the world."

The first phase of the peace agreement aims to pause fighting in Gaza and facilitate the release of at least some hostages and prisoners. This development follows the second anniversary of the October 7 attacks by Hamas on Israel, which ignited the current conflict. Approximately 1,200 people were killed in the incursion, with around 250 taken hostage. Israel's retaliatory military campaign has resulted in tens of thousands of Palestinian deaths and widespread devastation in Gaza, exacerbating fault lines in global politics. Hamas is expected to release 20 living hostages, while Israel will free Palestinian prisoners in exchange. Starmer underscored the necessity of immediate implementation of the agreement, coupled with the lifting of all restrictions on life-saving humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Despite his praise for Trump's role, Starmer refrained from endorsing the US president for a Nobel Peace Prize, suggesting that time is needed to ascertain if a lasting peace can be achieved. Trump had also floated the idea of a 'Board of Peace' comprising international leaders, including former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, to oversee an interim governing authority for Gaza. Starmer, however, sidestepped questions regarding Blair's potential involvement, prioritizing the implementation of the peace deal. Hamas had previously rejected the idea of Blair's participation.

Concurrent to these discussions, Keir Starmer concluded his inaugural trade visit to India, accompanied by 126 business and cultural leaders. This visit marked a crucial step in formalizing the free trade agreement between India and the UK, signaling a renewed partnership. During his visit, Starmer announced various investments, including in fintech, university campuses, and the production of three Bollywood films in the UK. A significant defense deal worth £350 million was also signed, providing UK-manufactured missiles from Northern Ireland for the Indian army. Starmer highlighted the profound shared history and special human connections between the two nations, emphasizing the remaking of their partnership for contemporary times.

A notable aspect of Starmer's trip was his study of India's widespread digital ID system, which serves over a billion people for benefits, payments, and identification. Meeting key figures who designed the system in Mumbai, Starmer hinted at the UK's interest in expanding its own digital ID scope beyond mandatory proof of work rights. He suggested a voluntary integration with banking and payment systems, as well as for administrative tasks like mortgage and school applications, citing the Indian model's efficiency in providing citizens access to financial services. Starmer acknowledged the need to present a strong case to the British public for these reforms, which have seen a decline in popularity.

During his discussions with Prime Minister Modi, Starmer also raised several sensitive topics, including human rights issues and India's ongoing relations with Russia. He confirmed discussing India's continued purchase of Russian oil, which is subject to widespread Western sanctions, and emphasized the shared focus on ending the conflict. Furthermore, Starmer addressed the case of British Sikh activist Jagtar Singh Johal, who has been detained in an Indian jail for nearly eight years without a full trial. While consular cases were raised, Starmer did not indicate significant progress on these particular issues.

Looking ahead, Starmer is anticipated to undertake a similar trade-focused trip to China in the coming year, aiming to ease relations between the UK and China, which have been strained by issues such as a collapsed Chinese spying case. Despite this, Starmer clarified that a formal trade deal with China is not on the immediate agenda. He reiterated the UK government's consistent policy of "cooperate where we can, challenge where we must" in its relationship with China.