David Cameron begins Indian trade drive

David Cameron has begun a two-day visit to India with the aim of strengthening relations and creating jobs in the UK.

The prime minister is leading what Downing Street describes as the largest UK trade delegation in living memory. Beginning his tour in Bangalore, Mr Cameron will say he wants to make the UK the "partner of choice" for India.

Business Secretary Vince Cable has announced the government will allow the export of British civil nuclear technology to India for the first time.
'Business potential'

The Foreign Office and Ministry of Defence have previously been against such a move because India is not part of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. However, Mr Cable believes British businesses "potentially could do a large amount of business in India" as a result of the move, which will also allow British expertise to be shared.

The business secretary, speaking in Bangalore, said: "There are obvious security sensitivities. We are conscious of those, as are the Indians. "But within those constraints we really want to push ahead with civil nuclear co-operation."

The two governments also announced a deal between BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce and India's leading aerospace company Hindustan Aeronautics Limited to supply 57 Hawk trainer aircraft to India. It follows a previous agreement to supply 66 Hawk aircraft to India.

The deal is worth about GBP 700m, of which more than GBP 500m is for BAE Systems and up to GBP 200m for Rolls-Royce, the UK government said, adding that the deal will support 200 UK jobs.

Mr Cameron said the deal was "evidence of our new, commercial foreign policy in action". Mr Cameron is being accompanied on his visit by other senior cabinet colleagues and dozens of business executives.

The government regards India as a vital regional and economic partner in the drive to boost exports and investment. In an article for The Hindu newspaper, Mr Cameron wrote: "I have come to your country in a spirit of humility.

Posted by CBN Staff on 30 Jul 2010 [05:20] | Comments 0 |

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