A new chapter for India-UK’s bilateral relationship

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has begun his three-day visit to the UK on Thursday with overwhelming welcome and gesture. He received heroic welcome at the place where he was barred from entering for the 13-year. He also became the first Prime Minister of India to address Britain’s parliament.

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On his first day Modi had a series of engagements including the most awaited bilateral meet with British Prime Minister David Cameron at his residence, 10 Downing Street.

Earlier the day, Modi and Cameron held a joint Press meet where Modi said that there was no place for intolerance in India.

“Any event in any corner of India – it doesn’t matter if there are even one or two incidents – we will not tolerate it and the law will deal with it strictly,” he said, adding, “It does not matter whether such an incident is significant for a country of 125 crore people. For us, every incident is serious…will not accept anything that goes against our social values”.

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“India is a vibrant democracy where the lives, views and thoughts of ordinary citizens are protected under the Constitution. We are committed to this,” Modi said.

Claiming UK as India’s “gateway to Europe”, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “The conclusion of the civil nuclear agreement is a symbol of our mutual trust and our resolve to combat climate change. The agreement for cooperation in India’s Global Centre for Clean Energy Partnerships will strengthen safety and security in the global nuclear industry.”

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Promising a trade deals worth $13.7 billion, David Cameron said “This isn’t just a historic visit; it’s a historic opportunity. It’s an opportunity for two countries, tied by history, people and values, to work together to overcome the biggest challenges of our age. Prime Minister Modi and I intend to grab that opportunity with both hands. Because in doing so, we can make two of the greatest countries in the world even greater”.

“We want to forge a more ambitious, modern partnership, harnessing our strengths and working together for the long term to help shape our fortunes at home and abroad in the 21st century,” he added.

Agreeing with Modi’s plan to make London the world’s centre for offshore rupee trading, Cameron said, “We’re getting that started with plans already in place today to issue over £1 billion in bonds right here in London”.