Press Briefings
Briefing points by Dir(XP) on President’s ongoing visit to UK
27/10/2009
A) Ceremonial Welcome
The President was accorded a grand ceremonial welcome rich in pageantry in the historical Windsor Castle dating back to about 1000 years (details in the programme booklet distributed by British Foreign Office).
Hundreds of residents/visitors in Windsor warmly greeted the entourage of the President by waving flags as it was taken to Windsor Castle in horse-drawn carriages escorted by mounted cavalry.
B) The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh hosted President and her spouse, as also members of the Indian official suite, over a private lunch which was also attended by the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall.
C) Call by the Leader of Opposition, David Cameron MP
The Leader of the Conservative Party, David Cameron stressed the special relationship between the Conservative Party and India. He expressed support for India’s permanent membership of UNSC. He stressed India-UK cooperation in educational sphere.
The President mentioned UK investment in India in the infrastructure sector and opportunities for its further growth. She dwelt on the ties in the field of sports and mentioned in this context the forthcoming Delhi CW Games in 2010.
David Cameron mentioned about the significance of London hosting the 2012 Olympic Games, and also the next CW Games in Glasgow in 2014. He expressed his intention to visit India soon.
D) Call by the Leader of Liberal Democratic Party, Nick Clegg MP
Nick Clegg spoke very positively about India-UK relationship and said that his Party is very keen to further develop the close and friendly India-UK cooperation, particularly in the economic field. He advocated more opportunities for investment, and for employment of Indians. The President and Nick Clegg discussed the issues pertaining to climate change. Nick Clegg dwelt on the British policy.
The President mentioned that this was a considerably important sphere for India and we are making all efforts within our own resources. She said that India is keen to work further with international community and informed Nick Clegg of the National Action Plan and eight National missions which include the aspect of mitigation and adaptation. She mentioned that we can do even more in this respect with more international cooperation. The President stressed that the solution in the realm of climate change should be comprehensive, balanced and equitable. She stressed the Indian position of common and differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, and mentioned that India would follow these principles while making efforts for sustainable development and improving the living standards of our people. She said that India hoped for successful outcome of international deliberations on climate change, including at Copenhagen. She said that India would welcome further cooperation in Britain in climate change and renewable energy resources. The President mentioned that UK is India’s key partner in trade and investment and India wished to further develop this cooperation. She spoke of the role of the Indian diaspora in contributing to the British economy and India-UK relationship. The President mentioned the need for more exchange of parliamentarians of the two countries.
E) State Banquet
180 distinguished invitees included (with spouses, wherever applicable): Prince of Wales, Princess Anne, The Duke of Gloucester, Prime Minister Brown, Lord Chancellor Peter Mandelson, the Leader of Opposition David Cameron, the Leader of Liberal Democratic Party Nick Clegg, the Archbishop of Canterbury, British Foreign Secretary, Chief of Defence Staff, National Security Advisor, Lord Desai, Lord Billimoria, Lord Nat Puri, Sir Gulam Noon, Actor Sanjiv Bhaskar, Artist Anish Kapoor, Diplomatic Envoys including the High Commissioners of Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
In her Banquet speech, the Queen spoke of the close partnership between India and the UK and a long shared history, as well as a new partnership for this century. She spoke of India’s emergence in the world stage as one of the main forces shaping the 21st Century. The Queen observed that the 1st anniversary of appalling terrorist attacks on Mumbai will be marked in a month’s time. She paid tribute to the courage and steadfastness of the Indian security forces and people in facing the tragedy. She recalled her earlier visits to India in 1961, 1983 and 1997. Stressing the importance of education in bilateral cooperation the Queen said that the UK is proud to have more than 30,000 Indian students in British Universities every year. She pointed out that the first group of Manmohan Singh scholars had just arrived at Cambridge. The queen said that nearly two million British citizens of Indian origin are one of the most dynamic and successful communities of UK and contributing to enrichment of the British society and strength of India-UK ties. The Queen said that she looked forward to launching the Games Baton Relay during the President’s current visit and said that 2010 will be a banner year for India which will host the next CW Games.
The President invited the Queen to visit India next year for the Commonwealth Games.
F) Earlier in the day, the Queen showed President the items from the Royal Indian collection. Some of the important ones include: the Hindustani Diary of Queen Victoria, the Shawl made from hand spun yarn by Mahatma Gandhi presented to the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh on the occasion of their wedding in 1947, the Banquet speech by President Rajendra Prasad during the Queen’s first visit to India in 1961, the invitation on carved wood sent by the President of India to the Queen inviting her to pay the 1st visit, and the exchange of letters concerning establishment of the Indian Republic.
London
October 27, 2009