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Narendra Modi in UK
YB WEB DESK. Dated: 4/19/2018 7:36:28 AM
PM Modi, Theresa May hold talks on infusing new energy into post-Brexit bilateral ties
London [United Kingdom], April 18
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday assured his British counterpart Theresa May that the United Kingdom's (UK) withdrawal from the European Union offers opportunities to "further increase" bilateral trade ties as the two leaders had "fruitful discussions" on multiple aspects of India-UK relations and issues like counter-terrorism, radicalisation and online extremism.
India and the UK also called for a secure, free, open, inclusive and prosperous Indo-Pacific, amidst China flexing its military muscles in the strategically vital region.
Modi, who arrived at 10 Downing Street in London for a breakfast meeting, was greeted with the customary handshake by May. "Very welcome to London, Prime Minister," May said as she greeted Modi.
Both leaders discussed ways to boost cooperation between India and UK.
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said the two leaders had wide-ranging talks on redefining and infusing new energy into the bilateral engagement post-Brexit. Brexit refers to the UK's decision in a June 23, 2016 referendum to leave the 28-nation European Union (EU).
A statement issued by 10 Downing Street after the meeting said that the Syria air strikes, counter-terrorism, radicalisation and online extremism were among some of the key topics covered by both leaders.
"Prime Minister Modi said there would be no dilution in the importance of the UK to India post-Brexit. He said the City of London was of great importance to India for accessing the global markets and would remain so," a Downing Street spokesperson said, according to news agency PTI.
The two leaders said trade between the UK and India had grown strongly over the last year and agreed to build on the recommendations of the UK-India Joint
Trade Review to reduce barriers to trade, to make it easier to do business in both countries and enable a stronger bilateral trade relationship for the future.
May and Modi discussed a new UK-India Tech Partnership, which will create thousands of jobs and generate significant investment in both our economies.
Looking ahead at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) on Thursday, they also agreed on the importance of working together to build a more "sustainable, prosperous, secure and fairer future" for all Commonwealth citizens.
A "flash mob" of sari-clad women from Indian Ladies in UK, accompanied by dhols, had gathered outside
Downing Street to welcome the Indian PM with banners such as "In India, Peace is always in Fashion".
After his meeting with the British Prime Minister, Modi visited the Science Museum to explore the '5000 Years of Science and Innovation' exhibition and interact with Indian-origin and other scientists and innovators based in the UK.
The event, hosted by Prince Charles, included the launch of a new Ayurvedic Centre of Excellence, aimed at creating a first-of-its-kind global network for evidence-based research on yoga and Ayurveda.
Modi had landed in Britain from Stockholm overnight for bilateral engagements as well as multilateral discussions as part of CHOGM.
He was received at the airport by UK foreign secretary Boris Johnson, who said he was "excited" that India-UK bilateral trade is growing at 15 per cent a year and the visit will help build on "huge economic advantages". Both leaders held a late night meeting at Heathrow airport.
According to official estimates, India-UK bilateral trade stands at $13 billion, with the UK among the largest G20 investors into India. Modi's UK visit this week will have a particular focus on the India-UK technological partnership as well as an enhanced role in the Commonwealth.
Modi would also have a brief stopover in Germany to meet German Chancellor Angela Merkel on April 20 while on his way back home. Both the leaders will exchange views on a number of bilateral, regional and international issues.
Later, PM Modi is expected to meet Queen Elizabeth II at the Buckingham Palace later in the day. He will then inaugurate a new Ayurvedic Centre of Excellence at the event. The prime minister will end the day with an interaction with the Indian diaspora. The mega event, titled “Bharat Ki Baat, Sabke Saath”, will see PM Modi field questions from the audience.