PM Narendra Modi, David Cameron Talks Focus On Defence, 'Make In India'



Prime Minister Narendra Modi met his British counterpart David Cameron in Washington on the sidelines of Nuclear Security Summit (NSS) during which the two leaders held talks on defence co-operation and Make in India.

"My meeting with PM David Cameron focused on defence cooperation, make in India and other key issues," Prime Minister Modi said in a tweet before leaving for Saudi Arabia.

Briefing reporters, the Ministry of External Affairs spokesman Vikas Swarup said during the meeting on Friday, both leaders recalled Prime Minister Modi's visit to London last year, during which India and the UK had signed deals worth 9-billion pounds and inked a civil nuclear pact.

Prime Minister Modi said that ties between the two countries had become "richer and deeper".

Defence cooperation came up for discussion and Prime Minister Modi mentioned that Britain could be a partner in the 'Make in India' initiative, especially in the defence sector.

Visa issues also came up for discussion, Mr Swarup said.

Both the leaders also reviewed the decisions that had been taken during Prime Minister Modi's visit to Britain last year in particular the decision to launch rupee bonds at the London Stock Exchange.

British PM Cameron expressed happiness that it was proceeding very well.

"He also said that we need to increase our partnership in defence. Prime Minister said that high-tech defence production has now been opened up to 100 per cent FDI, India had skilled manpower, cheap labour was also available and as such UK can become very important partner in the Make in India initiative particularly in the defence sector," Mr Swarup said.

"Prime Minister also raised the issue of Tier II visas for IT companies. He said skilled professionals should not find it difficult to come to work in the UK. And, in this context the recommendations made by the migration advisory committee could caste a negative light," he said.

"Cameron promised to take a look at it. He said we do not want to disadvantage bonafide IT companies, but at the same time we would also want to ensure that the UK system is not misused," Mr Swarup said.