British Prime Minister arrives in India

British Prime Minister David Cameron arrived here Monday morning on a three-day India visit during which will he meet captains of industry and hold talks with top Indian leaders. Asked in the interview about how he judged current relations between the UK and India, Cameron said: “Britain and India can be one of the great partnerships of the 21st Century. We obviously have strong ties of history, language and culture but what’s really exciting is the still untapped potential of our relationship. “I’m in no doubt that India is going to be one of the great success stories of this century – a rising power in the world. And I want Britain to be one of your partners as you grow and succeed,” he said. The British Premier is accompanied by the largest trade delegation taken on an overseas trip by a prime minister, the delegation includes CEO of top British corporates such as Rolls-Royce, BAE Systems and BP, Vice-Chancellors of reputed universities, senior Government officials, football’s English Premier League, London’s Underground and nine parliamentarians among others. During his stay in Mumbai, Cameron will visit to Hindustan Unilever headquarters, a luncheon meeting with business leaders, a visit to St Xavier’s School and laying a wreath at the Police Memorial. The Premier will leave for New Delhi in the evening, where he is expected to attend a private function being hosted by a large conglomerate before leaving for the national capital, according to industry sources. Cameron will hold comprehensive talks with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on a wide range of bilateral, regional and international issues. Besides the defense deal, other major issues expected to figure during Cameron’s visit would include the Rs12,000- crore Vodafone tax matter and the UK hosting a meeting between the Pakistan and Afghanistan Presidents. The visit is Cameron’s second to India as prime minister.