LONDON: British Prime Minister David Cameron will “seize the opportunity” to meet his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi for the first time this weekend during the G20 summit in Brisbane to discuss a wide range of bilateral issues, a Downing Street spokesman said.
“The Prime Minister David Cameron is set to have his first meeting with Prime Minister Modi of India at this weekend’s G20 summit in Brisbane,” the spokesperson said.
Cameron was one of the first world leaders to congratulate Modi following his victory in the general elections in May.
“He (Cameron) is keen to seize this opportunity for a face-to-face meeting,” the spokesperson said, “to discuss the wide range of bilateral issues that underpin the strong relationship between our two countries.”
Describing the agenda for the bilateral meet, to be held on the sidelines of the G20 summit, the official said: “The two leaders are expected to discuss Prime Minister Modi’s vision for reform in India with his ambitious plan to develop the country; trade and bilateral relations between the UK and India, which is generating more jobs, more growth and more security for our two nations; and key international issues.”
The Brisbane meet is set to strengthen the broad and deep relationship that UK and India already enjoy, building on a partnership of equals based on mutual respect, the spokesperson said.
“It follows visits by the Deputy Prime Minister, Chancellor, Foreign Secretary, Defense and Business Secretaries to India since Mr Modi was elected, and the recent visit by Sushma Swaraj, the Indian Minister for External Affairs, to attend the first ever regional Pravasi Bharatiya Divas event in London.” –PTI