Narendra Modi heads to UK on 3-day visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is leaving today for a three-day visit to United Kingdom, where he is expected to hold a series of meetings with industry leaders, address the Indian community at a huge reception at Wembley, UK’s largest stadium, and lunch with the Queen of England.

The visit comes a day after the Prime Minister’s big push for reforms that took off some of the gloom following his party’s resounding defeat in the Bihar assembly elections. It also comes hours after an internal upheaval in the party as a group of veteran leaders, including LK Advani, issued a strong criticism of the party leadership.

But in London, many non-resident Indians and businessmen who have huge investments in India, say their wishlist is going up by the day, despite the Bihar outcome. Besides a lunch with Queen Elizabeth and a reception at UK’s Wembley stadium, PM Narendra Modi is expected to receive a flypast with India’s national colours when he pays homage at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi near the British Parliament. Modi’s three day visit to the UK begins on Thursday, Nov 12. Analysts say UK, that was among the nations to deny Modi a visa when he was the CM of Gujarat, is looking to woo Modi to help facilitate more business. —Agencies