Alok Sharma, the newly-appointed minister in-charge of Asia in the UK Foreign Office who chose India for his first official visit, today said the trip was to ensure "strongest possible" bilateral ties in the post-Brexit world.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State was appointed as minister for Asia and the Pacific in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) by Prime Minister Theresa May in a Cabinet reshuffle following last month's referendum in favour of the UK leaving the 28-member European Union (EU).
"I am delighted that India will be my first official visit since taking up my appointment as a Foreign Office Minister," Sharma said before leaving the UK for a three-day visit to India, which will also cover Mumbai.
"The UK and India have a broad and exciting partnership that includes trade and investment, climate and energy, education, health and culture, reinforced by the large, vibrant Indian diaspora in Britain," he said.
"Britain is open for business and thriving on the world stage. We want the strongest possible relationship with India and I want to continue our vital strategic partnership on this visit and in my new role," he added.
The Conservative party MP for Reading West will hold talks with Indian government ministers, senior officials and business leaders to make clear that "India and the UK share a dynamic future on the world stage."
"As modern and diverse democracies, our two countries have a natural affinity and enjoy a genuinely strategic partnership that we want to take to the next level. Our existing bonds in security and defence, business, innovation, education and culture are stronger than ever," the Foreign Office said in a statement.
Sharma will also meet business and finance leaders to discuss UK's strengths, including in financial services, 'Smart Cities' and sustainable energy.
"As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, NATO and the G7, the UK is truly a global player. As a long- standing friend of India, we are a great fit with India's reform programme and, as partners in the G20 and Commonwealth, our growing collaboration will see both our nations prosper in the world," the statement added.
During the visit, Sharma, 48, is expected to hold talks with "the next generation's opinion formers" on foreign policy at an 'Emerging Voices' event.
