British Prime Minister David Cameron on Monday said that India is going to be one of the great success stories of this century and Britain would like to be one of the partners in this story. Addressing employees at Hindustan Unilever Limited in Mumbai, Mr. Cameron said he wanted British companies to help India develop new cities and districts along a 600 mile corridor between Mumbai and Bangalore. He added that, if realized, the project would generate investment opportunities worth up to $25 billion and could also generate close to half a million jobs.
The British Prime Minister is in India on a three day visit with the largest ever trade delegation including four ministers and nine lawmakers. On the first leg of his tour, the British prime minister also addressed business leaders in Mumbai on Monday. Mr. Cameron said Britain wants to develop a deep and special partnership with India in not only business sector; but also in the development of infrastructure, healthcare, sports, culture, art, education, insurance, retail, banking and many other areas. He urged India to reduce trade barriers to make it easier for British companies to invest and to conduct business in India. Citing great opportunities for Indian companies to invest in his country, Mr. Cameron announced that Britain would introduce same-day visa services for investors.
On the issue of Indian students in Britain, Mr. Cameron said there is no limit on the number of Indian students who can come and study in British universities. He added that there is no cap on the length of time these students can stay and work in graduate-level jobs after they qualify.
Talking about his first visit to Mumbai as Prime Minister, Mr. Cameron said he is impressed with the vibrancy and culture of the city. He added that Mumbai represents the immense change that is taking place in India. He also emphasized on developing more people to people relationship. Mr. Cameron on Monday also visited the 26/11 martyr's memorial at the Police Gymkhana and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya popularly known as The Prince of Wales museum in Mumbai.
