India is a good trading partner for the UK: Lord Meghnad Desai, LSE

In a chat with ET Now, Lord Meghnad Desai, Emeritus Professor at LSE, shares his thoughts on relations between India and the UK and PM Narendra Modi's ongoing visit. Excerpts:



ET Now: PM Narendra Modi is currently on his three-day visit to the UK. Do you think recent events in India have dented its image in the world?

Lord Meghnad: Trade and investment does not depend on circumstances like Bihar elections. India still remains a good investment destination and is a good trading partner for the UK.

ET Now: UK has also been the largest G20 investor in India.

Lord Meghnad: Exactly. UK decided some time ago that it has to encourage trade with dynamic emerging economies. They cannot just rely on Europe. Hence, the UK is focused on making this visit a success.

ET Now: Could this be an opportunity for both countries to ink important deals?

Lord Meghnad: Absolutely. Mutual benefit is going to dominate discussions during this visit. It is for this purpose that we do trade and investments together.