KOLKATA: UK Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs Boris Johnson was on a tight schedule during his visit to India - right from meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to spending time with slum kids in Kolkata. He was also the chief guest at the Presidency University International Debate where he had a short round of questions and answers. "Indians contribute in many ways other than the fees that they bring in," observed Johnson. The statement prompted question on whether his visit will evoke policy proposals to make it easier for Indian students seeking admission and studying in UK varsities. "I am at the liberal end of argument here. Overseas students contributed 5 billion pounds annually 10 years ago. It's much more now... We must remain open to talent," Johnson said in response.
He also added that UK had a very good record of fighting hate crimes and xenophobia. "We are the most diverse economy in the world and speak 300 languages. UK is a fantastic place to study and live in. We have a huge number of international students, including 100,000 Chinese students which is a great achievement. The number of Indians is growing and we have a 91 per cent satisfaction rate with visa handling in India," he said. When asked what is the possible impact of growing pollution, Johnson said, "I just had a fantastic conversation with chief minister Mamata Banerjee. I did suggest cycle tracks along roads to her. But she didn't seem to like it. I am a passionate cyclist and would recommend investing in low carbon transport, light rail. Bicycles are simply the best and they have reduced the number of people killed on London roads."
Boris had met with PM Modi earlier in the National Capital for the second Raisina dialogue, when he emphasised the need for a free trade agreement between India and the United Kingdom. In his speech, he expressed concerns over the uncertainties in the international political situation and said that the relations between two major military power in the world, the United States and Russia could undergo transformation never seen after 1945. He also said he hoped India as a country has loomed larger in the consciousness of distant regions and have expanded its footprint in trade, investments and technical activities which have been unprecedented.
