UK PM Keir Starmer Celebrates India's Path to Becoming Global Economic Superpower by 2028

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer declared on Thursday that India is progressing toward becoming the world's third largest economy by 2028, describing it as "an economic superpower in the making," with the United Kingdom "perfectly positioned to be partners" on this journey.

During his visit to Mumbai, Starmer highlighted that the UK stands among only three countries globally with a trillion-dollar technology sector, while India is poised to become the fourth.

"Consider the impressive scale of India, the world's largest democracy, on track to become the third largest economy by 2028, an economic superpower in development. The UK is ideally positioned to partner on that journey. We aim to build the sectors and skills of the future together," Starmer stated.

"This trade deal serves as a launching pad to enhance British leadership across multiple sectors, including technology, life sciences, renewable energy, and beyond. We've fully capitalized on these opportunities this week, delivering tangible results for British citizens by securing new investments into the UK worth £1.3 billion and creating 10,600 jobs. This includes 1,500 positions in the North West, over 1,000 across the Midlands, 200 in Yorkshire and the Humber, and 700 in Northern Ireland," he added.

Starmer emphasized the unprecedented scale of the business delegation accompanying him during the visit.

"We're unlocking new opportunities in India for British businesses—opportunities that other countries simply don't have, giving us a distinctive advantage. I've traveled here this week leading our largest-ever trade delegation to India to capitalize on this deal. That includes 126 CEOs, tech entrepreneurs, SMEs, Vice Chancellors, and sports and cultural leaders all here with me to capture the incredible benefits this agreement offers to the British people," he explained.

"What we're accomplishing together in technology exemplifies this partnership. The UK is among only three nations worldwide with a trillion-dollar tech sector, and India is set to become the fourth. We both rank among the top four AI powers, and we're seizing this opportunity to advance further," he continued.

Earlier in the day, the UK Prime Minister met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and together they addressed the India-UK CEOs Forum and Global Fintech Fest.

During his remarks, Starmer praised India's economic advancement.

"I want to congratulate the Prime Minister on his leadership, aiming for India to become the world's third-largest economy by 2028. Your vision of Viksit Bharat is to transform India into a completely developed nation by 2047. Everything I've witnessed since arriving here convinces me that you're on course to achieve that goal. We want to be partners on that journey," he said.

Starmer also expressed support for India obtaining a permanent seat on the UN Security Council.

"We collaborate in the Commonwealth and G20, and we advocate for India to take its rightful place on the UN Security Council," he stated.

Regarding the UK-India Trade Partnership, Starmer described it as the most ambitious trade agreement India has ever undertaken.

"I extend my gratitude to Prime Minister Modi for this partnership. This represents a significant victory for both nations. The discussions between Indian and British business leaders over the past two days have been remarkably productive, generating genuine enthusiasm for collaboration and innovation," he remarked.

"It was an honor to host PM Modi in the United Kingdom in July, and I'm delighted to reciprocate with a visit to India just a few months later. It's meaningful that we're meeting in Mumbai, India's economic and financial capital, because India's growth story is truly remarkable," he added.

Prime Minister Starmer characterized the recently signed UK-India Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) as a breakthrough moment.

"We are constructing something significant—a modern partnership focused on the future and embracing new opportunities together. Beyond the formal text of the agreement lies the confidence and shared spirit that define our relationship."

He noted that in the current climate of global uncertainty, the partnership between India and the UK continues to serve as a crucial pillar of stability and economic progress.

"We exchanged perspectives on peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific and West Asia, as well as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. India supports all diplomatic efforts to restore peace through dialogue," the UK Prime Minister said.

India and the United Kingdom achieved a significant milestone in strengthening their economic partnership with the signing of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) in July this year.

CETA guarantees unprecedented duty-free access for 99% of India's exports to the UK, encompassing nearly the entire trade spectrum. This agreement is expected to create new opportunities for labor-intensive industries such as textiles, marine products, leather, footwear, sports goods, toys, and gems and jewelry, alongside rapidly growing sectors like engineering goods, auto components, and organic chemicals.