UK Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds has praised India’s democratic system and the rule of law, saying peaceful protests are an integral feature of democracy, as he responded to questions about the protests by Opposition and other groups against the Election Commission in New Delhi during his visit to India.
In an exclusive interview with NDTV’s Foreign Affairs Editor Aditya Raj Kaul, Reynolds said India’s democratic credentials were an important source of its standing internationally and helped create confidence among businesses looking to invest in the country. “One of India’s huge strengths on the global stage is its status as a democracy and the rule of law,” he said.
New UK Government’s Priority: Growth Beyond London
Reynolds described his visit as an opportunity to build on an already strong relationship between the two countries, emphasising the importance of continuity in bilateral engagement despite changes of government. Because the government wanted to strengthen regional economies and devolve power to cities and local authorities, the British delegation’s inclusion of seven mayors from northern England, alongside business representatives and senior ministers, was significant, Reynolds said,.
“It’s always a privilege to be here,” he said, adding that he had visited India several times to develop the relationship. Explaining the priorities of Britain’s new government, Reynolds said economic growth across every part of the United Kingdom was central to its agenda, with international trade seen as an important means of delivering that ambition.
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