London: The new Indian government's ongoing reform agenda will further strengthen ties between the UK and India, British Prime Minister David Cameron has said, days after meeting Finance Minister Arun Jaitley here.
"All I will say is that the new Indian government and the reforms they are making, opening up the Indian economy, will make sure that the relationship between our countries becomes stronger still," Cameron said while replying to a question by Indian-origin MP Keith Vaz, who moved an Early Day Motion on the unveiling of Mahatma Gandhi's statue at Parliament Square here.
Vaz asked Cameron about his conversations with Finance Minister Jaitley and Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan during the unveiling ceremony last Saturday.
"Which man (Jaitley or Bachchan) offered him the best advice for the next election? Was it the person who presented a budget that will affect a sixth of humanity, or an actor whose acting tips might well help the Prime Minister in the TV debates," Vaz asked during Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons yesterday.
Cameron responded: "I think it is quite right that Mahatma Gandhi stands there alongside Churchill and Mandela in such an important square for our nation. As for the advice I was given, those were private conversations, so I shall not delve too far into them."
Vaz is the longest serving MP of Indian-origin in the UK, who will be defending his Leicester East seat for the Labour party in upcoming general election on May 7.
He said in a statement, "I am pleased the Prime Minister was such a good sport following my question.
"It was a personal delight for me that so many incredible people were brought together at Saturday's ceremony. Arun Jaitley is an extraordinary politician, whose visit came after delivering a historic budget. In turn, Amitabh Bachchan is a superstar and one of India's most recognisable stars.
"I am not certain if the Prime Minister did seek their advice for the election in May, but I know he would be a fool to turn down tips from such spectacular talents!"
