London: Describing India as one of the rising powers of the world, British Prime Minister David Cameron has said the next stage in bilateral ties would be “very exciting” and his government will establish stronger economic relations with the country if voted back to power.
“India is one of the rising powers of the world, we should really try to work together,” Cameron told Asian Lite newspaper after a visit to its office here.
Cameron said, “Relationship with India is much stronger now. India invests more into Britain than anywhere in Europe and there is a rise of 5 billion pounds since I became the Prime Minister. Britain is the Number 1. European investor into India and I am sure we can do better in trade.”
During his visit to the paper's office this week, Cameron said, “the new government (in the UK if voted to power in the May general elections) will cement and create more economic ties with India especially in the fields of infrastructure, smart cities, corridors for enterprising economic development.”
“Britain and India also should work towards a common foreign policy to challenges of our time like terrorism and climate change,” Cameron said.
The Prime Minister said he is looking forward to meet his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi in Britain. “I hope it wouldn't be too long,” he said, adding “I think the next stage (in bilateral ties) would be very exciting.”
Cameron also lauded the contribution of British-Asians to the socio-economic sectors of the UK. “Looking at Britain's history, Asian community plays an absolutely key part in Britain's economy,” Cameron said. “It is going to be that SMEs (Small and Medium enterprises) are going to create more jobs in future,” he said.
Cameron also lavished praise on British-Indian entrepreneur Dr Rami Ranger for his contribution in community service.
“People like Dr Rami Ranger are role models for the younger generation to emulate. His story is extra ordinary. An educated young man coming to England with lots of principles and ambitions but nothing in the pocket,” Cameron said.
“He became a successful businessman winning five Queen's Award for Enterprise. He is serving the community along with his family. His daughter is a local councillor. I believe our country is an opportunity democracy where you can be successful from nothing to something. We unveiled several business schemes; the BME communities are one of the best beneficiaries,” he said.
“25 per cent of the start up loans has gone to the BME communities, shows entrepreneurship in this country,” he added.
