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Business News/ Politics / Policy/  At G-20 summit, Narendra Modi talks trade ties with UK PM Theresa May
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At G-20 summit, Narendra Modi talks trade ties with UK PM Theresa May

Narendra Modi invites UK defence firms to manufacture military hardware in India; Theresa May expresses interest in Make in India, Smart Cities, Skill India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the issue of visa restrictions on Indians in a bilateral meeting with UK counterpart Theresa May at the G-20 summit in Hangzhou, China, on Monday. Photo: PTIPremium
Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the issue of visa restrictions on Indians in a bilateral meeting with UK counterpart Theresa May at the G-20 summit in Hangzhou, China, on Monday. Photo: PTI

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday described Britain as an important partner of India despite its decision to exit the European Union as he invited British defence firms to manufacture military hardware in India.

In his first meeting with his new British counterpart Theresa May, Modi sought her suggestions “on further strengthening the partnership, particularly trade and investment ties with the United Kingdom," Indian external affairs ministry spokesman Vikas Swarup said.

During the bilateral meeting, which took place on the sidelines of a G-20 summit in Hangzhou, China, Modi “underlined that even after Brexit (British exit) the UK remained as important partner for India as before," Swarup said.

On her part, May said that Britain was keen to support Modi’s “vision for India and take forward the broader strategic partnership including the decisions taken" during Modi’s visit to London in November.

The fact that she had deputed several ministers to India, including secretary of state for international development, Priti Patel; parliamentary under secretary of state at the foreign and commonwealth office, Alok Sharmal; and secretary of state for business, energy and industrial strategy, Greg Clark; besides secretary of state for international trade, Liam Fox, in recent days showed the priority May attaches to Britain’s ties with India, Swarup said.

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May expressed interest in Britain participating in India’s key flagship programmes including Make in India, Smart Cities and the Skill India Programme, Swarup said.

“The two leaders discussed further enhancement of the defence partnership with Modi inviting UK defence firms to Make in India. Both leaders also looked forward to an early visit by defence minister to the UK,"Swarup said.

Terrorism also figured in the conversation between May and Modi with both leaders talking about ways to increase cooperation in counter terrorism.

Modi also raised the issue of visa restrictions on Indians, Swarup said.

“In particular he said that the new UK regulations could have a negative impact on Indian working professionals wishing to visit UK for short-term business visits," Swarup said.

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Other bilateral meetings that Modi had were with the presidents of Turkey and Argentina, said Swarup.

“Renewing ties with Turkey. PM @narendramodi meets Turkish President @RT_Erdogan in another pull aside," Swarup tweeted about the meeting between Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Modi.

In his meeting with Mauricio Macri of Argentina, Modi thanked him for Argentina’s support for India’s inclusion in the Nuclear Suppliers’ Group, a move that was scuppered earlier this year following a Chinese veto.

Macri said “Argentina was keen to support India’s nuclear energy needs", Swarup said, adding that the Argentinian leader also wanted to see bilateral trade and investment ties grow.

The Argentinian president invited Indian companies to participate in the exploration of shale gas and also sought Indian collaboration in areas of food security.

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Published: 05 Sep 2016, 06:38 PM IST
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