India Poised To Become Global Economic Powerhouse, Says UK PM Keir Starmer
“The United Kingdom is perfectly placed to be a partner in this journey,” Keir Starmer told reporters in Mumbai.
By Orlin Milinov
Mumbai:
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has hailed India as an emerging global economic powerhouse, stating that the country is on track to become the world’s third-largest economy by 2028. Speaking to reporters during his visit to Mumbai, Starmer emphasized that the United Kingdom is “perfectly placed to be a partner in this journey,” underscoring the growing strategic and trade ties between both nations.
Starmer, who met Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier in the day, said their discussions covered a wide range of topics, including the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
“We did discuss this and looked at, particularly, the outcome that we both want,” Starmer said when asked about India’s oil imports from Russia. “Prime Minister Modi and I focused on ending this conflict and the various steps that could be taken. It was a wide-ranging discussion, and we also spoke about the measures we are taking regarding energy.”
India-UK Trade Partnership Strengthens
The British Prime Minister described the India-UK trade deal as a major catalyst to strengthen cooperation in key areas such as technology, renewable energy, and life sciences.
“I came here leading our biggest-ever business delegation to India to follow through on this deal,” Starmer said. “It offers incredible benefits to both nations and their people.”
He reiterated his admiration for India’s remarkable economic growth, calling it “an economic superpower in the making” and praising the country’s vast potential as a global investment destination.
Backing Trump’s Gaza Peace Plan
In an unexpected remark, Starmer expressed his support for US President Donald Trump’s peace initiative for Gaza.
“I welcome the news that a deal has been reached on the first stage of President Trump’s peace plan for Gaza,” he said. “This is a moment of profound relief for the hostages, their families, and the civilian population of Gaza, who have endured unimaginable suffering.”
He added that the UK will work with global partners to ensure the full implementation of the agreement “without delay.” When asked whether Trump deserved the Nobel Peace Prize for his role, Starmer called the progress “a very significant step.”
Warm Reception In India
Reflecting on his visit, Starmer praised India’s hospitality, describing the welcome his delegation received in Mumbai as “truly remarkable.”
He also addressed questions about India’s digital ID system, which he called “a success,” while acknowledging ongoing debates about similar measures in the UK.
“There’s huge optimism about the trade deal—you can sense it everywhere,” Starmer noted. “Businesses are already taking advantage of the new spirit this partnership brings.”
Bollywood And Education Links Grow Stronger
Highlighting expanding cultural and educational cooperation, Starmer announced that three major Bollywood films will soon be produced in the UK, and several British universities are preparing to establish campuses in India.
“The deal has opened up new opportunities and built new confidence,” he said. “Both Prime Minister Modi and I recognize that in today’s uncertain world, it is vital that two major economies like ours stand together to provide stability.”
Starmer concluded by pointing to the countries’ growing synergy in the technology sector. “The UK is one of only three countries in the world with a trillion-dollar tech sector. India is poised to be the fourth. We’re both among the top four AI powers, and together, we’re taking this opportunity to go even further.”
