Our role in Blue Star was minimal: U.K.

Britain’s role in Operation Blue Star was minimal, a visiting Minister of the United Kingdom has said.

Talking to journalists on the sidelines of a seminar, Greg Barker, Minister for Business Engagement with India and Minister, Energy and Climate Change, said: “As I understand, Britain’s involvement was very minimal... It is a domestic matter.”

He is leading a 16-member U.K. delegation to strengthen business ties and explore opportunities in infrastructure, architecture, environment, water and renewable energy and education. The delegation will also visit Delhi and Mumbai.

Mr. Barker said Britain was eyeing long-term investments in West Bengal. “We are looking to double our trade with India by 2015, and Kolkata is a strategic priority for Britain’s businesses.” He said India’s Look East policy added a new vibrancy to the business environment here. “British experts advised on the riverfront development a few years ago, and now at the invitation of the State government, the experts will be involved in the renovation of the Writers’ Building.”

In his speech at the seminar, organised by the UK Trade and Investment, the British Deputy High Commission and the Confederation of Indian Industry, Mr. Barker said India’s $1-trillion plan to build new infrastructure offered U.K. infrastructure companies exciting chances. His government was working with West Bengal on a number of initiatives for making the State low-carbon and climate-resilient.