NEW DELHI, Nov. 12 (Xinhua) — Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi left on Thursday for a three-day visit to Britain that will be focused on reinforcing bilateral ties in investment and defense cooperation.
“My visit is aimed at strengthening cooperation with a traditional friend that is not only a major economic partner of India but also one of the leading economic players of the world,” Modi said in Facebook posts.
“India and U.K. are two vibrant democracies, which are proud of their diversity and multicultural societies,” he said.
Modi’s visit to Britain is the first bilateral visit by an Indian prime minister in almost 10 years after Manmohan Singh’s visit in 2006.
Local media said the two countries are expected to sign from 12 to 18 billion U.S. dollars of economic cooperation agreement. India also expects to import 20 British Hawk training planes to be built in Bangalore, south India.
“U.K. is one of the fastest growing G-7 economies and is home to a strong financial services sector,” Modi stated.
“I see immense scope for our economic and trade relations to improve and this will benefit both our economies.”
Modi will also be the first Indian prime minister to address the British Parliament during the visit. He will also visit Chequers, the hometown of British Prime Minister David Cameron and call on Queen Elizabeth II, besides addressing 60,000 Indian residents in Britain at the Wembly Stadium.