Move for strategic growth of India-UK relations

New Delhi, Mar 6 (UNI) The dramatic economic growth that we are now witnessing in China and India will have far-reaching consequences not just economically, but politically as well,'' a UK official said today.

''India and the European Union, as the largest democracies in the world, share a set of values and beliefs that make them natural partners. Given the historic ties between the UK and India, there is a particular responsibility on the UK to persuade the EU of the benefits of such an alliance,'' former Cabinet Minister and present Co-chair of the International Climate Change Task Force Rt. Hon Stephen Byers MP, UK, said while addressing industry at a discussion organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).

He further said that ''our world is undergoing major changes in its geo-political geography. India and the UK are like two old relatives who meet from time to time and have a comfort level which is very complacent.'' He said ''benefits would come not just to the people of India and the EU but would also be shared globally as a result of our common belief in the fundamental importance of multiculturalism in order to maintain international peace and security; and to meet global threats and challenges.'' Mr Byers was here as the leader of the International Public Policy Research team which is visiting New Delhi to generate deeper UK-Indian political, academic and business ties.

Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) Director Nick Pearce said IPPRs 2006 India Year, will undertake research in areas, which include economics&trade, energy policy&climate change, migration&international development, democracy&secularism in order to promote Indo-British ties.

Fortis Healthcare Chairman Harpal Singh, while pointing out 3 areas which need attention namely attitude, followed by British aversion to taking risks and finally the considerable lack of awareness in UK of India's growth potential, emphasised that in the case of India-UK, there will be a need to talk seamlessly and strategically so as to be prepared for future growth considering the demand for the quality and the quantum of healthcare requirement.

Closer home, Minister of State for Defence Pallam Raju, emphasised the need for new strategies to expand trade levels between the two nations. He felt that India and UK could synergize their different service sectors with co-operation in healthcare, education, financial services, retailing&IT.

He also emphasised the opportunities of partnerships and investments in the rural sector that has a considerable role in the contribution to the country's economy.

UNI RA SD HT2025