Congress takes a dig at PM Modi, says he embarrasses India

Speaking at a joint press conference, Mr Cameron said London wanted to support Mr Modi’s vision transforming India with improved infrastructure and education.

Britain is already the largest investor in India among G-20 countries, and Indian firms have also made major investments in Britain, including Tata Motors’ ownership of automaker Jaguar Land Rover.

Media reports published ahead of Modi’s visit – the first by an Indian prime minister in almost a decade – also indicated that the Indian government was looking to buy 20 Hawk training aircraft, worth up to $450 million, from BAE Systems Plc.

In his address to the British Parliament, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose government is battling allegations of intolerance from a few political parties back in India, Thursday, said that “Sab Ka Saath, Sab Ka Vikas” was a call for financial inclusion and also celebration of diversity.

Vodafone’s announcement of a 1.3-billion pound investment package for India has been highlighted as a “big positive story” of the visit as the company has been at the centre of taxation rows in the past.

Prior to this, Modi, along with British Prime Minister David Cameron, attended a meeting of the UK-India CEO Forum at Lancaster House here.

Mr Cameron said among the business agreements was a five-year partnership to help develop the cities of Amravati, Indore and Pune.

As a result of this and other issues, there were massive protests outside of Downing Street Thursday.

Protester Bigyan Brasai criticised the United Kingdom for rolling out the red carpet for Mr Modi.

British think-tank Oxford Economics said Modi’s reform agenda had “come to a standstill”. More than 2,000 Muslims were killed in the riots in 2002, when Modi was Chief Minister of the state.

He did not answer a question on protests being staged during his three-day visit by a few groups that have accused PM Modi of creating an “authoritarian culture” in India. India is a vibrant democracy which under Constitution provides protection all citizens, their lives and thoughts.

Later Friday, Modi will rally thousands of supporters at Wembley Stadium, home to rock concerts and England’s national soccer team.

Meanwhile, roughly 200 literary figures, including Mumbai-born British author Salman Rushdie, signed an open letter warning of a “rising climate of fear” in India.