United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday lauded India’s rapid economic progress, calling its “growth story remarkable,” and expressed confidence that the country under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on track to achieve the vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
“It is significant that we are meeting in Mumbai, India’s economic and financial capital, because India’s growth story is remarkable. I want to congratulate the Prime Minister on his leadership and his aim for India to become the world’s third-largest economy by 2028. Your vision of Viksit Bharat—to make India a fully developed country by 2047—is inspiring. Everything I have seen since I have been here is absolute proof that you are on track to succeed. We want to be partners on that journey,” said Starmer, who is on his first official visit to India as UK Prime Minister.
During the visit, both leaders held a bilateral meeting in Mumbai and issued a joint statement reaffirming their commitment to deepen the India–UK partnership across sectors.
Starmer described the recently signed UK–India Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) as a “breakthrough moment,” noting that it represents a new era in bilateral cooperation.
“We are building something here—a modern partnership focused on the future and availing new opportunities together. The UK–India CETA, struck in July after years in the making, is a breakthrough moment. It slashes tariffs, expands market access, drives growth, creates jobs, and strengthens the bond between our nations. Beyond the words on the agreement’s pages lies the confidence and shared spirit that define our partnership,” Starmer said.
He also appreciated India’s diplomatic efforts to promote peace in global conflicts, including those in Ukraine and Gaza, stating that the India–UK relationship serves as an important pillar of global stability and progress.
“In the current era of global uncertainty, the partnership between India and the UK continues to serve as an important pillar of stability and economic progress. We exchanged views on peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific and West Asia, as well as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. India supports all efforts to restore peace through dialogue and diplomacy. Both sides are committed to enhancing maritime security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region,” he added.
Earlier, the Ministry of External Affairs posted on X: “Together for stronger India–UK ties. PM @narendramodi welcomes PM @Keir_Starmer of UK at Raj Bhawan, Mumbai.”
On Wednesday, Starmer held several high-level interactions with business leaders in Mumbai and described the India–UK trade partnership as “really important.”
(ANI)