MORE ON PM MODI AND HIS NETWORKING AROUND THE GLOBE

The world tour of PM Narendra Modi has been termed one to rival Madonna, The Rolling Stones and U2 – but they don’t do the things he does, that is for sure. Yesterday he appeared to over 60,000 Indian people living in the UK in Wembley.  Unfortunately for him, the terrorist incident in Paris has masked news reports on his amazing fanbase in the UK and the long running special relationship between the UK and India.  His global journey has taken in 27 countries and included New York and Sydney in his tour.  Fireworks lit up the sky in Wembley to celebrate Divali and the success of Indian people and their businesses “abroad”. Modi was elected PM in 2014 and has said, “as two innovative and vibrant economies we (Britain and India) have unlimited possibilities to build partnerships of prosperity and sustainability”. 

Lord Bilimora, founder of Cobra Beer has spoken out for trading relations with India and Gurinder Chadha (lady firm director including Bend it like Beckham) , Dev Patel (Slumdog Millionaire and Best Exotic Marigold Hotel 1 and 2) Katrina Kaif – actress and Freddie Mercury as Of course Cliff Richard also has ties there.  Politicians include Priti Patel-employment minister and Keith Vaz chair of the home affairs select committee and London has an Asian contingent in the run up to the election of the next Mayor. Rajesh Agrawal is also a big name as founder of RationalFX – he sold his motorcycle to come to London 14 years ago and as David Cameron would say, he rolled up his sleeves and got the job done of making a big name for himself in business through hard work and dedication. Britain outranks every country in the world except Singapore and Mauritius for investments in India. Indians invest in Britain more than in the rest of the EU combined.  Of course the subject of the EU is another issue.  The population of India is approximately 1.25 bn. Its economy is growing fast and it has begun a resolute programme to attack poverty, increase education and healthcare and pensions for everyone.  A longer article can be read on thesundaytimes.co.uk but this report is by our assistant editor:- Penny Nair Price