UK ends Modi's boycott, discusses economic cooperation

In the first engagement with Gujarat in 10 years after it snapped all ties with the state in the aftermath of the 2002 communal riots, the British High Commissioner met Modi for about 50 minutes, discussing a range of issues, including climate change and investment.

"The meeting can be described as a cordial beginning as both of them were keen on taking forward the ties," sources in the Chief Minister's office said.

"Bevan told the Chief Minister that they are well aware of capabilities of Gujarat and the Gujarati community and his government is keen to establish and expand ties with the state," they said.

Modi also welcomed the decision of British Prime Minister David Cameron to strengthen and develop relations with Gujarat. He said he appreciates Britain's Foreign Office Minister Hugo Swire's statement on behalf of the British government and its people to develop relations with the state, sources said.

"During the meeting, Modi, keeping in mind the large number of Gujarat origin people living in UK, urged him to start an office of deputy(sic) British High Commission in Gujarat," said an official statement from the state government.

The Chief Minister also invited the British Government to participate in 'Vibrant Gujarat Global Investors' Summit', his pet project to give impetus to state's industrialisation, to be held in January 2013. "The envoy has accepted the invitation," it said. More