India on track to become 3rd largest economy, UK perfectly placed to be partner in this journey: Starmer

MUMBAI: India is on track to become the third largest economy by 2028 and the UK is perfectly placed to be a partner in this journey, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Thursday. Addressing a news conference here, he expressed confidence that US President Donald Trump's Israel-Hamas peace plan will bring relief to the hostages, civilian population in Gaza, and the whole world. The India-UK trade deal is a launchpad to boost British leadership in areas ranging from technology to life sciences to renewable energy and more, he said, adding that the two countries are also deepening the UK-India Technology Security Initiative. The British PM, who arrived in India on Wednesday, said he and Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and looked at the outcome both of the countries want, which focused on ending the conflict. On President Trump's Gaza peace plan, Starmer said the deal was a real breakthrough. This will come as a profound relief for the hostages and their families and civilian population in Gaza, and for the whole world. We will now work with our partners to ensure that this deal is implemented in full and without delay, he said. Starmer called the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signed in July historic, saying it will add billions of pounds to Britains GDP, hundreds of billions of rupees to Indias, and boost wages in both countries. Terming India and the UK natural partners, Starmer said the deal , the UKs biggest since Brexit and Indias most ambitious yet, will strengthen cooperation in fintech, digital innovation, and investment. He said the UK is rolling out the red carpet for Indian firms with fast-track authorisations, streamlined compliance, new visa routes, and a dedicated investment concierge service. Its time to invest in the United Kingdom, invest in this relationship, and invest in our shared future, he said. (With inputs from Online Desk)