The UK-India ties grew steadily in 2017, with the British government laying the groundwork for a new post-Brexit economic partnership with New Delhi. <br/><br/>A UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) spokesperson said Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the connection between people of the two countries as a 'living bridge' and that link has been strengthened during the 2017 UK-India Year of Culture.<br/><br/>Describing the two countries as modern, diverse and vibrant democracies, the spokesperson said the UK government is keen to step into the New Year by building on the shared connections and values which make for a natural partnership as Britain prepares to host the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in April, 2018.<br/><br/>Next year's Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting will provide an opportunity for the UK, India and all Commonwealth members to build a reformed and revitalised Commonwealth that is more prosperous, secure, sustainable and fair for all our citizens, the FCO spokesperson noted.