So, What made David Cameron to visit India twice in span of 3 years. Perhaps, the Leader of Centre-Right Conservative Leader, much to his disbelief has understood the importance of being in good books of India in a shorter span than many of his western counterparts.
David Cameron had made immigration a major electoral issue in 2010 general elections in Britain. His party had made accusation that immigration had risen many fold under the decade old Labour party rule. Cameron formed a coalition government, taking support from Liberal Democrats highlighting anti immigration stance.
Cameron was part of the bee line of international leaders who visited India 2010 with various Defence, Nuclear, Energy deals. Same story in 2013! His visit is sandwiched between those of French President and German Premier.
David Cameron, not in distant past, had made public the stringent immigration rule which limited the number of students applying for UK universities, in addition, he also immigration procedures were made cumbersome for skilled blue collar and white collar job seekers from India. Worst hit from this rules were the health care professionals from India.
Then, all of sudden, what made Cameron change his stance, he hurriedly came back in span of 3 years with his caravan to India. Announcing, liberal student and business visas for Indians.
There has been a 25% drop in the number of Indian students applying for British Universities in 2012-13 for first time in last 16 years. Foreign students bring 8 billion Pounds to UK, Indian students contribute handsomely in this figure. British economy has seen double dip since 2007-8 economic recession. So, quite understandably, Cameron has his eyes set on Indian students to help him pull British economy out of its misery.
Moreover, Cameron was an opportunity to revive the talks for the Medium Multi Role Aircraft deal of Indian Air Force which Britain (along Italy, Germany and Spain) led consortium lost to French Rafale in 2012. This multi billion dollar deal would have helped British economy.
Ironically for him, India most probably is going to cancel Rs 3000 crore deal of the Augusta Westland helicopters after accusations were made in Italy for middlemen offering kickback in India to favour Augusta Westland.
He has expressed his sadness for the horrific 1919 Jalianwala Bagh incident but stopped short of offering an apology. Quietly, Cameron also made legitimate claim over Kohinoor diamond.
David Cameron has realised that in the DAVID vs GOLIATH story of 19th century, characters have in fact switched their roles and Britain is no longer the GOLIATH, she used to be.
1 comment:
Hi Karan,
Agree with your points, in addition to these he is looking very much interested in helping India in Copter deal investigation....so thats like trying to show a brotherhood in order to get favor in future.
From my point of view that what is even expected from a smart and sensitive politician as well, you have to change your stance according t the situation, so though they are feeling lien in their own land because of huge migration but at the same point they need business and working class; so they are trying to balance out things. Rest about Koh-i-noor, we have to stop requesting again and again, we must remember how did they acquire it moreover that stone always brings ill fate along with its luster. Good attempt..Keep on going.
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