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

Truce Agreement Hailed as a "Relief to the Globe"

Starmer commented that the initial stage of the deal would be a "relief to the world" and noted that the United Kingdom had contributed significantly behind the scenes with the United States and mediators.

Addressing the media on the last day of his trade visit to the Indian subcontinent, the British leader stressed that the agreement "must now be implemented in full, without delay, and accompanied by the immediate lifting of all limitations on critical humanitarian aid to Gaza."

Peace Prize Question Answered

However, when questioned if the Nobel committee should at this time award Donald Trump the coveted award, the Prime Minister implied that more time was needed to know if a durable peace could be achieved.

"What matters now is to move forward and execute this ... my focus now is transitioning this from the stage it's at now ... and ensure the success of this, because that is important to me above all," he told reporters at a press conference in India's financial capital.

Business Deals Revealed During India Visit

The Prime Minister has hailed a series of agreements sealed during his tour to the country – his first time there – joined by 126 business leaders and arts figures. The trip signifies the implementation of the two nations' free trade agreement.

• The UK government has announced a slew of investments, from fintech to university campuses, as well as the production of multiple Indian movies in the UK.
• On Thursday, Starmer finalized a military agreement worth £350m for UK missiles, manufactured in Northern Ireland, to be deployed by the Indian military.

"Our history together is deep, the personal ties between our people are truly special," Starmer remarked as he departed Mumbai. "Building on our landmark agreement, we are remaking this alliance for our era."

Digital ID Initiative Studied

Starmer has dedicated time in India analyzing the national digital identification program, including consulting key figures who designed the comprehensive platform utilized by over a billion individuals for benefits, payments, and identification.

He hinted that the United Kingdom was interested in broadening the scope of digital identification beyond making it compulsory to prove rights to work. He proposed that the Britain would eventually look at connecting it to banking and payments systems – on a optional basis – as well as for administrative tasks such as home loan and educational enrollments.

"It has been adopted on a optional basis [in India] in huge numbers, not least because it ensures that you can retrieve your own funds, conduct transactions so much more easily than is available with alternative methods," he explained.

"The efficiency with which it allows residents here to access services, especially financial services, is something that was recognized in our talks recently, and in fact a financial technology discussion that we had today. So we're looking at those examples of how digital ID helps people with processes that sometimes take too long and are too cumbersome and simplifies them for them."

Public Support for Changes

Starmer admitted that the government had to make the case for the initiatives to the British public, which have declined sharply in popularity since Starmer announced them.

"I think now we need to go out and make that case the significant advantages ... And I think that the more people see the benefits that accompany this ... as has occurred in other countries, citizens say: 'That will make my life easier,' and therefore I want to get on with it," he affirmed.

Human Rights and International Relations Discussed

The Prime Minister said he had raised a range of challenging issues with the Indian premier regarding human rights and ties with the Russian Federation, though he appeared to have made minimal progress. He confirmed that he and Prime Minister Modi talked about how the country was persisting to purchase oil from Russia, which is subject to widespread western sanctions.

"For prime minister Modi and myself the priority on resolving this conflict and the multiple measures will be implemented to that end," he commented. "This included a wide range of dialogue, but we outlined the steps that we are undertaking in relation to energy."

Starmer also mentioned he had brought up the case of the British Sikh activist the individual, from Dumbarton, 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 most egregious cases of injustice among Britons currently detained overseas.

But, he did not indicate much progress had been achieved. "Yes, we brought up the diplomatic matters," he stated. "We consistently address them when we have the chance to do so. I must add that the top diplomat is meeting the relatives in coming weeks, as well as discussing it now."

Upcoming Initiatives

Starmer is widely expected to take a similar business-oriented trip to China in the coming year as part of a mission to improve diplomatic ties between the UK and the Asian nation.

That relationship is receiving attention because of the dismissal of a Chinese spying case, reportedly occurring because the UK has been unwilling to provide new proof that China is considered a threat.

Starmer said the United Kingdom was keen to pursue additional commercial partnerships but stated that a commercial agreement with the nation was not currently planned. "That's not on our list, for a trade deal as such, but our position is to work together where we are able, confront where we need to, and that's been the ongoing approach of the government in relation to China."