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“India’s growth story is remarkable,” UK PM Starmer says ‘vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’ on track’
Mumbai, October 9, 2025: United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized India’s “remarkable” growth during his first visit to the country, affirming that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, India is on a path towards realizing the vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047, reports 24brussels.
During a bilateral meeting in Mumbai, Starmer congratulated Modi on his leadership ambitions for India to become the world’s third-largest economy by 2028. He expressed confidence that India’s progress is evidence of its successful trajectory towards achieving a fully developed nation status by the mid-century. “Everything I have seen since I have been here is absolute proof to me that you are on track to succeed in that. We want to be partners on that journey,” Starmer stated.
Starmer characterized the UK-India Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement as a “breakthrough moment,” indicating a transformative partnership focused on future collaboration. He noted its potential to reduce tariffs and enhance market access, thereby driving growth and job creation in both nations. “Beyond the words of the page of the Agreement is the spirit of the confidence that it has given to our two great countries to work even more closely together,” he added.
Moreover, Starmer highlighted India’s proactive role in seeking to resolve the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, outlining the importance of the India-UK relationship as a stabilizing force in a time of global uncertainty. He stated, “In the current era of global uncertainty, the partnership between India and the UK continues to serve as an important pillar of global stability and economic progress.” Starmer reiterated India’s support for diplomatic efforts aimed at restoring peace.
Earlier, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) shared an update on X, announcing the strong ties being highlighted during Starmer’s visit: “Together for stronger India-UK ties. PM @narendramodi welcomes PM @Keir_Starmer of UK at Raj Bhawan, Mumbai.”
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| Together for stronger India-UK ties.
PM @narendramodi welcomes PM @Keir_Starmer of UK at Raj Bhawan, Mumbai. pic.twitter.com/eG7cpbSOBF
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) October 9, 2025
In a series of engagements throughout Mumbai, Starmer met with business leaders, describing the India-UK trade partnership as “really important.” His visit follows Prime Minister Modi’s trip to the UK in July, where both leaders finalized the trade deal and accomplished nearly £6 billion in new investments and export gains, as noted by an official statement.