New Delhi: Britain on Monday expressed the desire to work with India in realising the new government’s goal of economic and social transformation as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi favoured greater collaboration in areas like clean energy, infrastructure development and cleaning of rivers.
The UK’s intent was expressed by its Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg when he met Modi here and discussed a wide range of issues, including energy and World Trade Organisation (WTO) talks.
During the meeting, Clegg conveyed UK’s strong desire to further strengthen and deepen relations with India.
“Expressing deep appreciation for the ambitious goal of India’s economic and social transformation that the new government under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi had set, he conveyed the desire of the UK to work together with India in realising this goal,” a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said.
Modi expressed appreciation for British Prime Minister David Cameron’s personal interest and commitment to India-UK relationship.
He called for greater collaboration between the two countries in areas of education, skill development, clean energy, infrastructure development and cleaning of rivers.
The UK side, which also included UK Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change Ed Davey, conveyed their appreciation for the work done in Gujarat in the area of clean energy and preservation of environment, the statement said.
Modi said it is a priority area for his government which plans to develop 500 model towns in India with facilities for solid waste management and waste water treatment.
Further, the government wants to develop all Himalayan states as ‘Organic States’ which would also have environmental benefits, the statement said, adding Modi also articulated his vision of creating mass participation in energy efficiency.
Modi invited the UK to partner in these efforts.
He also asked the international community to take steps to provide clean technology to developing and under-developed countries at affordable prices.
The two sides also discussed international issues relating to WTO and climate change.
On WTO, the Prime Minister emphasised the need to move forward simultaneously on all agreements reached in Bali, including on food security, to address the interests of all sections of society, particularly poor people.
He reiterated India’s commitment to the understandings reached in Bali, including on Trade Facilitation and expressed support for trade facilitation measures.
Clegg reiterated Cameron’s invitation to Modi to visit the UK. Modi said he looked forward to visiting the UK at the earliest convenience.
