Cameron seeks to boost trade, work closely on global issues with India

British Prime Minister David Cameron sought to boost trade and investments and to work together on global issues with India, as he stopped over in New Delhi on his way to the Commonwealth summit in Colombo.

Cameron arrived in India on Wednesday (November 13) on stopover visit, his third visit to the country.

Highlighting the flourishing trade relationship between India and Britain, Cameron said on Thursday that there was a need to develop people to people and cultural relationships between the two nations.

"The trade relationship is good as it is because Britain is such an open country. We welcome foreign investment unlike any other country in Europe. So, trade is at the heart of it. But it goes much further and that's what we need to develop more - the people-to-people relationships, the cultural relationships and I also I think working together on some of these difficult global issues," said Cameron.

During his visit, Cameron also met Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and discussed crucial bilateral and international issues.

Both the leaders are likely to emphasise on boosting cooperation in trade and investment besides enhancing ties in areas of mutual interest.

Cameron will later fly to Colombo in Sri Lanka to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) on November 15-16.

During the conference, Cameron also said the relationship that India and Britain will share in future would be exciting.

"I think that Britain and India should be partners of choice. I think we have got lot in common. You are largest democracy and we are one of the oldest democracies. We both have challenges to fight terrorism. We both want to be successes in this global economic race that we are engaged in. With all the ties of the past and history, the language and the culture, but it is the future that really excites me about what Britain and India can do together," he added.

Commenting over the prime ministerial candidate of Bharatiya Janata Party, Narendra Modi, Cameron said that he was open to meet all elected leaders.

During his visit, Cameron will also discuss the need for consistent business regulation, among other matters, with Singh to attract more foreign investment.

Praising Indian batting maestro, Sachin Tendulkar, Cameron applauded him for his incredible consistency and persistence throughout his brilliant career.

"I think he's (Sachin Tendulkar) an extraordinary cricketer and I think cricket is not only if you are a batsman. It is not only about your average. I think it is also in the modern game, it is about persistence and I think to get a 100,100's, it shows an incredible consistency and an incredible persistence. So, he is a fantastic player," Cameron also said.

Cameron will also meet West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee before travelling to the Commonwealth summit.

Earlier in the day, Britain's Prime Minister addressed a group of young parliamentarians.