Modi, who flew into the British capital on his much- anticipated three-day visit, was accorded a guard of honour by the 48-member F Company Scots guard accompanied by the regimental band of Irish guards. “I see India as I see Britain, a country that is a vibrant multi-racial, multi-faith, multi-ethnicdemocracy that has very strong public debate, freedom of speech, rule of law and those are things that Britain and India continue to learn from each other”, Cameron said.
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Addressing a huge, enthusiastic gathering of British Indians at the expansive Wembley Stadium here, Modi announced resumption of a direct flight between London and Ahmedabad, simplification of the process concerning Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card and measures taken towards electronic travel authorisation and e-migration portal.
“The Prime Minister said we are right now in a situation where countries are actually wooing Indian students because India has the biggest education market today”.
Later, Modi was greeted as a celebrity by tens of thousands of supporters waving Indian flags and Union Jacks during a high-energy rally at London’s Wembley Stadium – more usually home to rock concerts and England’s national soccer team.
British Prime Minister David Cameron has pledged to create a “modern, dynamic partnership” with India.
To the first lady, the Indian prime minister presented Aranmula metal mirror, a unique handicraft from Kerala, and pashmina stoles.
“It won’t be long before there is a British-Indian prime minister in 10, Downing Street”, Cameron said citing the contributions of British-Indians in various fields.
“India-UK ties are about people and about prosperity”, Cameron said as he introduced Modi.
He also mentioned that this privilege was available only to India. It was obviously in keeping with Modi’s “Make in India” initiative. Performers will include singer Kanika Kapoor and the London Philharmonic Orchestra. The event culminated in a dramatic firework display lighting up Wembley.
Referring to India having 800 million people below 35 years, he said “a country which has so many youth can not stay behind”. “We will cross new frontiers of development”, Modi said.
Barring protests by Awaaz, it was a good day in office for Modi – charming top United Kingdom biz, lunch at Buckingham Palace and 50,000 screaming fans at Wembley stadium.
A statement issued after the meetings between the two prime ministers said they looked forward to the first meeting of the reconstituted India-UK CEOs Forum, and had tasked it with advising them on the trade and investment opportunities as also challenges faced by the two sides.
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On Saturday, Modi will leave Britain for Turkey where he will attend the annual G-20 summit.
