Visit to India shows importance of bilateral relations: May

British Prime Minister Theresa May has said her upcoming three-day maiden visit to India shows the importance of the bilateral ties between the UK and India, which will be a true celebration of relations and shared ambition for the future.

Addressing the Indian community for the first time at a Diwali reception at her official residence, May said: “It was here in Downing Street PM Narendra Modi chose to start last year’s visit and next month I am delighted to join him in India.” 

“It will be the first bilateral visit I make outside European Union. I will be going to Delhi and Bangalore and it shows the importance of our relationship between the UK and India and I think it will be a true celebration of relations between our countries and shared ambition for the future,” she said.

At the outset, May, Dinesh Pattnaik, India’s acting High Commissioner to the UK and Jit Patel from the board of BAPS Swaminarayan Temple lit the lamp, and inaugurated the Diwali celebrations.

“It is a great pleasure and honour to host my first Diwali reception as the Prime Minister. It really shows that the Indian community in the UK is absolutely at the heart of our British society,” May said.

Earlier in the day, May announced in the House of Commons that she would be leading a trade delegation to India from November 6 to 8 next month, as her government seeks new relationships after Britain leaves the European Union.