The Rt. Hon. Theresa May, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom called on President Pranab Mukherjee at Rashtrapati Bhavan yesterday (November 7, 2016).

Welcomingthe UK Prime Minister to India, the President expressed happiness that she has chosen India to be her first bilateral visit outside the European Union. He said India sees this as reflection of the strength of the India-UK strategic partnership. Relations between two countries are rooted in history as well as equally, a partnership for the 21st century. The two countries share common prospective on many international issues. There is strong economic and financial engagement, growing defence and international security partnership and close people to people linkages. India appreciates UK’s support for its candidature for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council.

The President said India sees UK as a key partner in its growth and economy. India would encourage more UK companies to partner in its national programmes like Make in India, Skill India, Digital India etc. Bilateral trade between India and UK in goods stood at US $ 14 billion in 2015-16. There is immense scope to further enhance our trade exchanges both in goods and services.

The President said terrorism is the biggest menace to world peace and tranquillity.It is a scourge that knows no territorial or ideological boundaries. India and UK need to cooperate more on counter-terrorism. The international community must show determination in fighting against terrorism.

The UK Prime Minister warmly reciprocated the President’s sentiments and said that her visit reflects the strength of the relationship as well as UK’s keenness to build for the future. She said there were many existing opportunities in terms of mutual investment and trade. UK is looking to forge a key bilateral partnership with India which would be to the advantage of both sides.

This release issued at 1430 hrs.