U.K. is a believer in free trade and will not turn its back to the world after exiting the European Union, said Prime Minister Theresa May while addressing the U.K.-India Tech Summit on the first day of her India visit. May highlighted the significance of the India-U.K. relation calling it a 'natural partnership' aimed at working together to build a shared future bilaterally and on the global stage.
Industrialist Ajit Gulabchand says it is significant that Prime Minister May chose India as her first destination for a bilateral visit outside Europe. The relation between the two countries has always been good and this visit will provide an opportunity to build on that that, added Gulabchand.
Britain is exiting the European Union which provides huge opportunities for Great Britain and India to have their own engagements together. After all, India is not part of any such trade zone and yet India has a vigorous relationship with the world. So Britain will perhaps be freer to engage with India.Ajit Gulabchand, CMD, HCC
Sunil Munjal said the timing of the visit is perfect. As the U.K. steps out of the EU, both nations need to build their relationship and put their best foot forward.
As U.K. steps out of the EU, they need to build their own individual relationships and India is very keen to work on it as well. So this is perfect timing for both nations to put their best foot forward and a technology summit is also a wonderful start because technolyg is one of the factors that binds India and U.K. together.Sunil Munjal, Chairman, Hero Corporate Services
Hinduja Group's Prakash Hinduja said the India needs to move on a fast-track growth path and when that happens sky will be the limit for the two countries.
The areas where a lot of businesses can happen and a lot of investment can come are education, healthcare, infrastructure where Britain can play an important role. India has to move on a fast track, and once that happens, then the sky is the limit.Prakash Hinduja, Chairman, Hinduja Group (Europe)
CII President, Naushad Forbes also shares the optimism expressed by his peers from India Inc. But he does warn of some volatility in the short term as the United Kingdom looks to get its house in order post Brexit.
There is going to be a lot sensitivity around saying anything contrary to that of a somewhat inward looking immigration policy. I think it is unfortunate, but I think that is the reality on the ground. Those are concerns that no British politician is trying to stir up these days.Naushad Forbes, President, CII
U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May is on a three-day visit to India during which both countries are expected to sign business deals worth 1 billion pounds.
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