New Delhi. Shri Anand Sharma, Commerce and Industry Minister, while interacting with the British Prime Minister, Mr. David Cameron in London yesterday raised concerns of Indian industry over the proposed cap on non–EU immigration in UK and stressed the importance of enhancing greater people to people contact, which was crucial for the service industry. Shri Sharma also expressed satisfaction over the recent pronouncement by Britain to have an “enhanced engagement” with India. Mr. Cameron confirmed the acceptance of invitation extended by Dr. Manmohan Singh to visit India in July. PM Cameron said that during his visit, he would like to focus on attracting greater Indian investment into UK and on how UK could support India’s agenda of development of education at all levels. He also emphasized the need for greater scientific collaboration and joint development of new technologies.

During his visit, Shri Sharma also met Foreign Secretary William Hague and they exchanged views on issues of shared concern, including the situation in India’s neighbourhood.

Shri Sharma had a bilateral meeting with his counterpart Business Secretary, Mr. Vincent Cable. Mr Cable reiterated the commitment of the new government for a stronger partnership and emphasized about the collaboration in high technology, higher education, scientific research, renewable energy, green technology development, manufacturing, infrastructure and agro processing.

Shri Sharma also addressed the CII–LSE conference on Business opportunities in India. He spoke on the imperatives of global economic growth through an Indian perspective.