British PM May arrives in India to boost bilateral ties

British Prime Minister Theresa May arrived here on Sunday for a three-day state visit. It is her first foreign visit outside the European Union (EU).

Tomorrow, she will hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi covering a range of issues of mutual interest. Several agreements are expected to be signed following the meeting.

India is likely to raise its concerns over problems being faced by its students in the United Kingdom due to visa curbs. The two Prime Ministers are expected to deliberate on impact of Brexit on the bilateral ties and ways to boost trade and investment, besides expanding cooperation in some other key areas.

The British Prime Minister will also call on President Pranab Mukherjee. She will inaugurate the India-UK Tech Summit being organised by the Department of Science and Technology and the Confederation of Indian Industry.

It demonstrates the importance and expanse of science and technology cooperation in the India-UK partnership. At the Summit, government officials, business leaders and scientists will engage to see how best science and technology collaboration can be leveraged to open up new opportunities for bilateral business, trade and investment.

New initiatives on deepening science and technology collaboration between India and the UK are expected to be announced at the Summit.

The visiting dignitary will leave for Bengaluru on Tuesday on the second leg of her India visit. She is scheduled to hold a meeting with Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah there.