London: British Prime Minister Theresa May on Wednesday indicated in Parliament that during her India visit next month she would be encouraging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the 2018 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in the UK.
Conservative Party MP Hugo Swire asked her during the weekly Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons if the topic would figure during her first visit to India as British Prime Minister between November 6 and 8.
"When she goes to India next month, will she commit to persuade Prime Minister Modi to attend the 2018 Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in the UK," Swire asked, in reference to the "increasing relevance" of the Commonwealth for trade given Britain's impending exit from the European Union (EU).
In response, May said, "I am happy to encourage all leaders to attend CHOGM when it takes place here in the United Kingdom...we are indeed looking at the possibility of trade deals in relation to the Commonwealth."
"I applaud that first-ever meeting of Commonwealth Trade Ministers (2017), which is an important step as we look to forge a new global role in the world, ensuring that we make a success of leaving the EU and trading our way around the world," she said.
May will arrive in New Delhi on November 6 to inaugurate the India-UK TECH Summit along with Modi.
The two leaders are expected to hold bilateral talks over a working lunch on November 7 before the British Premier heads to a second Indian city, likely to be Bengaluru, on November 8 as part of her three-day visit.
May will be accompanied by UK international trade secretary Liam Fox, who will be attending the Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO).
The UK delegation will also include representatives of small and medium businesses from regions across the UK and a number of commercial deals are expected to be signed during the visit.
