Committed to UK-India strategic relationship: Cable

London, Jun 30 (PTI) Britain is strongly committed to
building a strategic relationship with India, which has
transformed considerably over the last decade, Vince Cable,
Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills has
said.
Noting that India has registered a growth which is
next only to China, Cable said business to business relations
with India form a crucial part of UK's strategic ties with the
country.
"We are strongly committed to build a strategic
relationship. It is happening at various levels including
business to business," Cable, who was Guest of Honour at a
reception hosted by the Confederation of Indian Industry at
Lancaster House here said.
India's High Commissioner to the UK Nalin Surie, G P
Hinduja, President of the Hinduja Group, Lord Navnit Dholakia,
Lord Raj Loomba were among those who attended the reception.
Noting that India has changed considerably during the
last one decade, Cable pointed out that at present Britain's
largest manufacturing company is owned by the Tatas.
He said besides high growth, the mobile phone
subscribers in the country have crossed 600 million.
"This is happening when the business world elsewhere
is
struggling to catch up," he said.
Expressing confidence that India would make further
progress in the next one year, Cable said "I hope, I will
still be here, to see India expand further".
The reception was hosted by B Muthuraman, President,
Confederation of Indian Industry to meet members of CII CEOs'
delegation.
Earlier in the day, CII in partnership with the
Confederation of British Industry (CBI) and University College
London (UCL) held a day-long conference on "UK-India: Next
steps towards greater Partnerships" at the University College
London.
The last 12 months have seen a number of new
initiatives being taken to strengthen bilateral trade and
investment relations between the UK and India, all meant to
take the relationship to new heights, it was noted.
One of the key areas identified for cooperation is
manufacturing technology and innovations.
India's growth demands continuous innovation and use
of new technology to maintain the competitive edge.
UK's expertise in innovations and research can satisfy
this demand and create a win-win situation for both.
The conference discussed Partnerships and the Next
Steps required to reach the "Special relationship" and skills
in Manufacturing.