British-Indian minister to lead UK business team in Indore

A major UK business delegation to Global Investors Summit in Madhya Pradesh will be led by a British Minister of Indian origin, Alok Sharma, an official statement said on Thursday.

Alok Sharma, Foreign Commonwealth Office Minister for Asia and the Pacific, will join representatives of 28 UK businesses at the summit organised by the government of Madhya Pradesh in Indore on October 22-23.

Speaking ahead of the summit, Sharma said, "Madhya Pradesh is one of the fastest growing states in India and a great example of how the UK and India are working together for both of our benefit."

"The UK has been a long-term supporter of the state, through aid and other partnerships, and it now has a vibrant economy," he added.

The UK now has a partnership with Madhya Pradesh, providing technical assistance on issues including Smart Cities and urban development, the statement added.

British Prime Minister Theresa May will lead a trade mission to India next month during her first major bilateral visit since taking office.

During her visit, she will join Prime Minister Narendra Modi to inaugurate the first India-UK TECH Summit, a showcase for partnership in technological industries.

The two-day event will showcase the industrial strengths of the state and provide a global platform for interaction with Indian industry leaders, policy makers, investors and other stakeholders.

--IANS

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