Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Air India aircraft made touchdown this morning at 10 a.m. in Heathrow for his long-awaited bilateral level visit to the United Kingdom — his first since becoming Prime Minister. He was met at the airport by Hugo Swire, Minister of State for the Foreign Office, and Priti Patel, Minister for Employment and Diaspora Champion in the David Cameron government. His visit carries expectations for agreements and partnerships worth billions of dollars across defence, security, finance and sectors like education, research and health.
Mr. Modi is accompanied by a high power business delegation that included Cyrus P. Mistry, chairman, Tata Sons, Sunil Bharti Mittal, chairman, Bharti Enterprises Limited and N. Chandrasekaran, CEO and managing director of Tata Consultancy Services.
Mr. Modi will be greeted by a Guard of Honour at Westminster,which will be followed by delegation level talks at 10 Downing Street with Mr. Cameron. The two Prime Ministers will address a joint press conference after which Mr. Modi will deliver his speech in parliament. He will also garland the statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Parliament Square. The evening will see important agreements between the two country delegations finalised at Guildhall, City of London. Mr. Modi will stay the night at the Prime Minister’s country residence at Chequers.
The pomp and ceremony attached to the visit is expected to include a special tricolour flypast by the Red Arrows Royal Air Force (RAF) Aerobatic Team over the Buckingham Palace before the Prime Minister sits down for lunch with Queen Elizabeth II ahead of his mega diaspora address at the iconic Wembley Stadium in north London.
Live updates:
11:50 pm: >Text of PM’s address at the Business Meeting at London
11: 35 pm: The Prime Minister says given visionary & dynamic leadership of PM Cameron and his interest in India, I'm personally eager to work with British Govt & companies, reports ANI
11:30 pm: He emphasizes the 3 Ds - Democracy, Demography and Demand and its movement towards E-entrepreneurship.
11:10 pm: We have also come up with the mechanism of Tax Free Infrastructure Bonds for projects in rail, road and other sectors, says Modi
11:05 pm: To push manufacturing to 25% of GDP, we have launched the #MakeinIndia initiative to make India a global maufacturing hub, says Modi
11:00 pm:
At Guildhall, PM >@narendramodi explains the results of putting the Indian economy back on track: >pic.twitter.com/colm8xXhhI
— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) >November 12, 201510:50 pm: PM arrives at historic Guildhall for an address to the City of London.
Preparing for the cities of the future. PM arrives at historic Guildhall for an address to the City of London >pic.twitter.com/OlMIjKh8J7
— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) >November 12, 2015
09:47 pm: Modi ends speech. Gets standing ovation.
09:46 pm: Modi pays glorious tributes to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. He will be visiting the Ambedkar House in London tomorrow.
09:45 pm: PM gets a laugh as he says we are more likely to see an umbrella than the sun in UK, even so,Britain is partner in solar energy
09:43 pm: We want to take solar mission even to a remote village, says Modi
09:42 pm: The world must speak in one voice and act in unison to combat this challenge of our times, he says.
09:41 pm: Modi touches the topic of terrorism, speaks about delinking religion and terrorism.
09:40 pm: We live in a world where the destabilization in a different region quickly reaches our doorsteps: Modi
09:39 pm: India and UK will work together on renewable and nuclear energy, says Modi
09:38 pm: With apologies to TS Eliot, India will not let the shadow fall between the hope and the reality: Modi
09:37 pm: In India, you will experience the wind of change: PM
09:36 pm: Igniting the engines of growth: PM @narendramodi outlines the changes underway in the country, tweets MEA
09:35 pm: Our momentum comes not just from growth we pursue, but from the transformation that we seek in the quality of life/ for every citizen: PM
09:34 pm: Britain’s resurgence is impressive. Its influence on the future of the global economy remains strong: PM
09:32 pm: It takes an Indian icon Tata to run a British icon, the Jaguar.: PM
09:31 pm: UK remains a preferred destination for Indian students for higher education: Modi
09:30 pm: My address at Wembley will be a mark of all India and UK share: Modi
09:28 pm: ' How is that Mahatma Gandhi's statue stands outside British Parliament? British were wise to recognise Gandhi.'
09:26 pm: Modi recalls Jawaharlal Nehru and Manmohan Singh's British connections.
There are others who have spoken forecefully on the debts and dues of history.
I will only say that mnay freedom fighters of India found their calling in the institutions of Britain.
And, many makers of India, including several of mu distinguished predecessors, from Jawaharlal Nehru to Dr, Manmohan Singh, pased through their doors.
9:25 pm: Many freedom fighters have found their calling from the institutions of Britain: PM
9:23 pm: I extend my good wishes to the Left: PM
9:21 pm: Honoured to speak in British Parliament, says the PM.
9:20 pm: Prime Minister addresses the British Parliament in English.
9.05 p.m.: Mr. Modi pays homage to the statue of Mahatma Gandhi outside the British Parliament. Photo: PMO India
9 p.m.: " As PM of the world's oldest democracy, I'm pleased to welcome the PM of world's largest democracy, Narendra Modi," tweeted British Prime Minister David Cameron.
As PM of the world's oldest democracy, I'm pleased to welcome the PM of world's largest democracy, Narendra Modi. >pic.twitter.com/TiPZ7XIOPE
— David Cameron (@David_Cameron) >November 12, 20158.50 p.m.: Modi has had a huge mandate from the people of India. We want to focus on ties with India going forward.: Cameron.
8.45 p.m.: In response to a question, Mr. Modi says U.K. has never stopped him from entering the country in the aftermath of the Gujarat riots. "I didn't visit U.K. for a long time due to paucity of time," he said.
8.40 p.m.: We are a democracy and committed to freedom of speech. India will not tolerate intolerance. India is the land of Buddha. We are not an intolerant society.: Modi
8.35 p.m.: U.K. backs India for a permanent seat at the UN Security Council.
8.30 p.m.: India and U.K. have signed a civil nuclear agreement: PM Modi.
8.20 p.m.: Narendra Modi, David Cameron address joint press conference after talks
7.55 p.m.: Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia): At 2120 IST, PM @narendramodi will deliver a speech at the UK Parliament.
7 p.m.: PMO India (@PMOIndia): Discussing bilateral ties and development...delegation level talks begin with with PM @David_Cameron.
6.56 p.m.: Vikas Swarup @MEAIndia: Opening the door to a special partnership. PM @David_Cameron welcomes PM @narendramodi at 10 Downing Street.
Opening the door to a special partnership. PM >@David_Cameron welcomes PM >@narendramodi at 10 Downing Street. >pic.twitter.com/DgGN9LVb1o
— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) >November 12, 20156.57 p.m.: Suhasini Haidar: PM, Indian delegation goes into 10 Downing for bilateral talks
6.50 p.m.: @MEAIndia: Its a red carpet welcome for PM @narendramodi as he inspects the Guard of Honour at the Treasury Quadrangle
6.50 p.m.: PMO India: PM @narendramodi at the ceremonial welcome, with PM @David_Cameron. @Number10gov
6.32 p.m.: Suhasini Haidar: We ask PM supporters for perspective on the protest groups. One says, 'Wembley will answer them tomorrow'.
6:31 p.m.: Suhasini Haidar: Crowd control by London Police.. Keeping supporters separate from protesters.
Crowd control by London Police.. Keeping supporters separate from protesters >pic.twitter.com/BVBmZln3jX
— Suhasini Haidar (@suhasinih) >November 12, 20156.27 p.m.: Congress asks Mr. Modi to take up the issue of former IPL chairman Lalit Modi’s extradition during the U.K. visit and to ensure that the “fugitive” and “black money exporter” is brought back.
The party says this is the only visit where Modi can “fetch a lot for India in terms of concrete achievements“.
“If Mr. Modi does not bring (Lalit Modi) back, people will believe that ‘big Modi is helping the little Modi’, Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said in New Delhi.
6.25 p.m.: Suhasini Haidar: PM Modi at 10 Downing soon, will make jt statement with PM Cameron after, on defence, climate change, development
6.22 p.m.: @PMOIndia: The UK visit begins with a meeting with the Sikh community in London.
The UK visit begins with a meeting with the Sikh community in London. >pic.twitter.com/bz4BNWx6tp
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) >November 12, 20156.15 p.m.: Suhasini Haidar : Now. George Galloway joins protesters against PM, he calls it a kaleidoscope of protests.
Now George Galloway joins protesters against PM, he calls it a kaleidoscope of protests >pic.twitter.com/1Rc7d1DF10
— Suhasini Haidar (@suhasinih) >November 12, 2015Rainbow range of protests outside 10 Downing Street: on Gujarat riots, Nepal, Human Rights. Photo: Suhasini Haidar
6.15 p.m.: Two young financial consultants, Shailesh Shedbale and Sachin Jadhav, have joined the pro-Modi group. “We want to welcome Modi as we are impressed with his Make in India and Swachh Bharath campaigns. We also want dual citizenship for NRI’s,” they said.
6.10 p.m.: Waving flags and banners, a particularly vociferous section of the protesters is from Nepal. “Modi does not want us to have our own Constitution,” said Vigyan Parsai, an office-bearer of the Nepal People’s Coordination Committee. “The blockade against Nepal has caused a Himalayan crisis in Nepal with supplies cut-off and hospitals facing medicine shortages. Nepal is already suffering from the effects of the earthquake.”
6.05 p.m.: Outside Downing Street, two opposition camps face each other separated by an outpost of high-visibility-green-jacketed policemen. From one side comes the roar of “Modi, Modi! Shame, shame” and slogans such as “Modi, Modi! You can’t hide; you committed genocide”. As the number of protesters swells the pro-Modi group, standing on the other side and shouting pro-Modi slogans, slowly melts away.
Gina Sargunar, a U.K. citizen of India Origin from Bristol, told The Hindu : “I came because I felt we have to protest against someone who is as anti-secular and anti-intellectual as Modi.”
Read: > Intellectuals, writers call on Cameron to raise rights issue with Modi
6 p.m.: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to ask Britain to take strong action against Sikh groups trying to revive the demand for a separate Khalistan and their attempts to radicalise Sikh youth besides giving them training on how to make bombs. - PTI
5.42 p.m.: Suhasini Haidar: PM @narendramodi to head to 10 Downing St shortly, security choppers over Big Ben.
PM >@narendramodi to head to 10 Downing St shortly, security choppers over big Ben >pic.twitter.com/8okHDoeJvU
— Suhasini Haidar (@suhasinih) >November 12, 20155.38 p.m.: Narendra Modi supporters near the St. James Hotel. Photo: Parvathi Menon
5.36 p.m.: Protesters shout slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi near the St. James Hotel. Photo: Parvathi Menon
5.21 p.m.: Suhasini Haidar: Here are some of the #MakeInIndia group that plan to raise Modi, Modi slogans at every stop
Here are some of the >#MakeInIndia group that plan to raise Modi,Modi slogans at every stop >pic.twitter.com/cbBBkRA6qE
— Suhasini Haidar (@suhasinih) >November 12, 20155.19 p.m.: London Philharmonic (@LPOrchestra): Busy setting up for rehearsal @wembleystadium before welcoming @narendramodi to the UK tomorrow
Busy setting up for rehearsal >@wembleystadium before welcoming >@narendramodi to the UK tomorrow >pic.twitter.com/HVpBoI2scr
— London Philharmonic (@LPOrchestra) >November 12, 20154.55 p.m.: Suhasini Haidar tweets: Big crowds expected at 10 Downing says one supporter, who will follow him from event to event.Got lucky in the first,a handshake with PM!
4.54 p.m: As the Prime Minister arrives at the St. James hotel in London, crowds cheer him outside. Photo: Suhasini Haidar
4.52 p.m.: A visit to the Tata Motors’ Jaguar Land Rover factory in Solihull, in the West Midlands region of England, will be the last item on his U.K. agenda.
PM >@narendramodi arrives at hotel in London, supporters outside >pic.twitter.com/S9MTB1Jnld
— Suhasini Haidar (@suhasinih) >November 12, 20154.35 p.m.: “My visit to UK is the first Prime Ministerial visit in almost a decade. I have had the opportunity to meet Prime Minister David Cameron at various international forums and our meetings have been productive. Prime Minister Cameron is a good friend of India’s, and we in India have had the privilege of welcoming him thrice during his first term as Prime Minister,” Mr. Modi had written in a Facebook post ahead of the visit.
4.26 p.m.: Narendra Modi tweets: Thank you @Number10gov. We are very proud of the Indian diaspora in UK. Their role in strengthening India-UK ties is immense.
Thank you >@Number10gov . We are very proud of the Indian diaspora in UK. Their role in strengthening India-UK ties is immense.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) >November 12, 20154.24 p.m.: Earlier, our correspondent Suhasini Haidar (@suhasinih) tweeted: Dropping exports, biz environment, visas are main concerns for India-UK ties, says @FT as PM Modi about to land
Dropping exports, biz environment, visas are main concerns for India-UK ties, says >@FT as PM Modi about to land >pic.twitter.com/v7yTOIi5gb
— Suhasini Haidar (@suhasinih) >November 12, 20154.18 p.m. : UK in India @UKinIndia: Modi is received by Foreign Office Minister Hugo Swire
4 p.m.: Here is Prime Minister Narendra Modi's schedule for his visit to the United Kingdom.
| Thurday November 12 | Friday November 13 | Saturday November 14 |
|---|---|---|
| 03:30 PM ↞ Arrive in London | 03:30 PM ↞ Roundtable meeting with CEOs | 03:30 PM ↞ Unveil Baseveshwara Statue |
| 06:30 PM ↞ Ceremonial reception | 06:30 PM ↞ Lunch with the Queen | |
| 06:45 PM ↞ Bilateral talks | 10:15 PM ↞ Wembley event | |
| 07:50 PM ↞ Joint press statement | ↞ Dinner hosted by High Commissioner Ranjan Mathai | 04:00 PM ↞ Visit to Ambedkar memorial |
| 08:30 PM ↞ Visit the recently installed Mahatma Gandhi statue | ↞ Visit to Tata industrial plant | |
| 08:50 PM ↞ Address to Parliament | ↞ Leave for Turkey (G20 Summit) | |
| 10:00 PM ↞ Address to the city of London | Bilateral documents expected during the visit:
* Note: All timings are in IST | |
| - Leave for Chequers Court (The Country house retreat of the Prime Minister of the United Kingdoms) |
3.59 p.m.:UK Prime Minister @Number10gov : Welcome to the UK @narendramodi from Britain's Indian community #ModiInUK
Welcome to the UK >@narendramodi from Britain's Indian community >#ModiInUK>https://t.co/5hrlplmx4Q
— UK Prime Minister (@Number10gov) >November 12, 2015 Hello London! PM >@narendramodi arrives in United Kingdom for 1st bilateral visit by an Indian PM in almost a decade >pic.twitter.com/iPcj4sN2wA
— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) >November 12, 20153.55 p.m.: Tweet from MEA India: "Diplomacy aboard Air India 1! PM called Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, congratulated her on her electoral victory and invited her to visit India."
Modi in the UK
>Modi leaves for the UK
Apart from a visit with the Queen and the Ambedkar Memorial, Mr. Modi will also attend a roundtable conference with British CEOs.
>What to expect from Modi’s U.K. visit
$18 billion in deals expected; Wembley address will be a major highlight of the tour beginning November 12, 2015.
>Focus on defence, terror threat
Mr. Modi’s visit will see high-level consultations on British investments in the defence sector under the Make in India programme.
