Modi visit will tackle challenges of our time: UK minister

LONDON: The UK and India have a natural affinity rooted in a longstanding friendship and shared values, a senior minister here has said as the country paid homage to troops from the Indian sub-continent who fought alongside their British colonial leaders.

"This week we also commemorate, once again, the men and women from our two countries who fought together in both World Wars for freedom and democracy. India made a huge contribution to Britain's war effort and staggering numbers fought on behalf of the allied forces," Britain's minister in charge of India in the UK Foreign Office Hugo Swire said.

"Today, British Indians contribute immensely to the UK and are a cornerstone of British life. We see their success in culture, business, media, public services and, increasingly, in politics too," he said.

Britain marked 'Remembrance Sunday' in honour of the troops who laid their lives in the wars.

Swire said in a statement: "As the Minister of State for India at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, I am delighted that Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi will be visiting the United Kingdom this week. The UK and India have a natural affinity rooted in a longstanding friendship, shared values and deep links between our people.

"The visit by Prime Minister Modi this week is an opportunity to celebrate the ties between our two great countries and deepen our existing bonds in business, education, security, and culture," he said.

"This visit will also ensure that our partnership plays an indispensable role in tackling the immense challenges of our time, from climate change and migration, to economic development and security."

"As the oldest democracy and the largest democracy in the world it is right that we come together and build two great futures for our two nations."