PM Modi calls up Theresa May, discusses ties

In the wake of “Brexit”, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken to Britain’s new Prime Minister Theresa May congratulating her on her assumption of office and discussed with her “stronger and closer” strategic bilateral ties, including in trade and defence. During the telephonic conversation on Tuesday, Mr Modi also appreciated the UK’s consistent support to India in various global fora, the MEA spokesperson said on Wednesday. This comes amid reports that India could soon formally approach Britain for retrieval of the Kohinoor diamond from the British crown despite Britain apparently refusing to play ball on the matter.

Meanwhile, thanking Prime Minister Modi, Ms May said she looked forward to working closely with him for developing stronger bilateral ties and enhancing cooperation in tackling pressing global challenges. Mr Modi also recalled his memorable visit to the UK last November.

Downing Street said that trade and investment formed the central feature of the discussions between the two leaders during their conversation. “Trade and investment featured strongly in the conversation with Prime Minister Modi who expressed his hope that the relationship would become even stronger and closer in the future, particularly given the shared values and common interest,” a Downing Street statement was quoted as saying. Ms May took over after the resignation of David Cameron following the UK’s vote to leave the European Union (EU) in a referendum on June 23. She sought to highlight London and the UK’s continued importance within the India-UK relationship during her first official conversation with Modi.

“The Prime Minister (Theresa May) pointed out that the launch in August of the first rupee-denominated bond in London is a concrete example of our close and growing economic cooperation and underlines that the city remains a hub for innovative finance,” Downing Street said.

“The Prime Minister also emphasised the UK’s continued commitment to our defence and security partnership and support for India’s increasing role in international fora,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, the Indian government said it is exploring “ways and means for obtaining a satisfactory resolution” to the Kohinoor issue with Britain, a day after the United Kingdom government claimed no legal ground exists for New Delhi to take back the famed diamond.

“The Ministry of External Affairs is exploring ways and means for obtaining a satisfactory resolution to this issue (of bringing back Kohinoor) with the UK government,” Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma was quoted as saying in a written reply in Rajya Sabha. Replying to a query on whether the Ministry had ever made a statement that Kohinoor diamond was a gift to Britain and that it was not taken away forcibly, he said, “No, Sir. It was a misinterpretation.”

The comments assume significance in the wake of visiting UK Minister of Asia and Pacific Affairs Alok Sharma being quoted by news agencies, as saying, “As far as this issue is concerned, there is no legal grounds for restitution.”

According to news agency reports, the government had earlier made a submission in the Supreme Court in April that it was neither “forcibly taken nor stolen” by the British but given as a “gift” to the East India Company by the rulers of Punjab. But soon after that, the Government had said it “remains committed to bringing back (from the UK) in an amicable fashion the valuable artefact which has strong roots in our history” and that the “Government of India will take all steps which are necessary to bring back the Kohinoor in an amicable manner.”