S.M.Krishna apprises Lok Sabha of British PM's visit

New Delhi, Aug.18 (ANI): Minister for External Affairs S.M.Krishna on Wednesday apprised the Lok Sabha of the visit of British Prime Minister David Cameron to India undertaken between July 27-29, 2010.

In a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha, Krishna stated wide ranging discussions were held not only at the Prime-Ministerial level, but also with various Ministers on relevant issues of mutual interest.

He also informed that an India-UK Memorandum of Understanding on Cultural Co-operation was signed. Besides discussions were held on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Government of India and UK Trade and Investment to enhance investment in the Roads sector.

Krishna informed that the areas identified for future cooperation included Trade, Investment and Energy, Education, Science and research, Defence and Security, and Dialogue and Exchanges between our Parliaments.

He also informed that in order to increase cooperation in the aforementioned areas, the two sides agreed on Establishment of a new India-UK CEOs Forum to help increase trade and investment, Establishment of an India-UK Infrastructure Group, led by the two Governments to promote investment in infrastructure in India, Launching a new phase of the jointly funded UK-India Education and Research Initiative from 2011 to 2015, Boosting dialogue and exchanges between our two national Parliaments, creation of the UK-India Future Leaders Network.

Cameron during his three-day State visit to India was accompanied by Rt. Hon William Hague MP, British Foreign Minister, Rt. Hon. George Osborne MP, Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rt. Hon. Dr. Vincent Cable MP, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, Rt. Hon. Jeremy Hunt MP, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Rt. Hon. David Willets MP, Minister of State for Universities and Science, Rt. Hon. Gregory Barker MP, Minister of State for Energy and Climate Change, and Sir Peter Ricketts, National Security Advisor. A high level delegation of businessmen, University Vice-Chancellors and sportspersons also accompanied the Prime Minister. (ANI)