Bi-Lateral Talks: Modi Meets UK PM Cameron

Washington: Prime Minister Narendra Modi met British Prime Minister David Cameron on Friday at the 2016 Nuclear Security Summit (NSS) at Washington and discussed ways to enhance the “vibrant” bilateral partnership.

“My meeting with PM David Cameron focused on defense cooperation, ‘Make In India’ and other key issues,” Prime Minister Modi said in a tweet before leaving for Saudi Arabia. Prime Minister Modi said that ties between the two countries had become “richer and deeper”. Modi mentioned that Britain could be a partner in the 'Make in India' initiative, especially in the defense sector. Visa issues also were discussed. Both the leaders also reviewed the decisions that had been taken during Modi's visit to Britain last year, particularly, the decision to launch rupee bonds at the London Stock Exchange.

Earlier, the Prime Minister held bilateral talks with his Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau on issues of mutual benefit. The Prime Minister will also be holding separate bilateral meetings with Argentinean President Mauricio Macri, Japnese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Switzerland President Schneider-Ammann.

The Friday meeting came nearly five months after Modi travelled to the UK in November and held wide-ranging talks with Cameron. During that visit, India and the UK had signed deals worth 9-billion pounds and inked a civil nuclear pact, besides deciding to collaborate in defense and cyber security.

At the NSS meet, India pledged a contribution of $1 million to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) nuclear security fund. Both the leaders also reviewed the decisions that had been taken during Prime Minister Modi's visit to Britain last year in particular the decision to launch rupee bonds at the London Stock Exchange.