India, Oct. 9 -- UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday congratulated his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi, and said that New Delhi is on track to become the world's third-largest economy by 2028, a remark that seemed to defend the nation against US President Donald Trump's 'dead economy' jibe.

In his first official visit to India, Starmer hailed New Delhi and said that the country's "growth story is remarkable".

During his joint press conference with PM Modi, Starmer said, "It is significant that we are meeting here 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, aiming to be the world's third largest economy by 2028 and yo...