Theresa May refuses to open borders to India in return for trade deal as she arrives in Delhi
Prime Minister insists India already has a good visa deal from the UK
THERESA May last night ruled out throwing open the borders to India in return for a bumper trade deal as she jetted into a diplomatic row.
Arriving in Delhi for her first official bilateral visit outside of Europe, the PM insisted India already had a good visa deal from the UK.
It followed calls from senior Indian officials for London to loosen restrictions on workers and students from the Asian superpower.
The PM said: "We have a visa system for countries outside the EU which ensures that the brightest and the best are able to come to the UK.
"I think the figures show that we issue more work visas to India than the US, Australia, Canada and China put together. And nine out of 10 visa applications for India are already accepted."
The row risks overshadowing a trip designed to build Brexit bridges between the UK and the booming Indian economy.
A trade deal between the EU and India is thought to have stalled on Mumbai's visa demands.
Downing Street last night unveiled a deal to give rich Indians fast track access through British customs through a new agreement.
But it won't make it easier for more people to come to the UK.
Immigration from outside the EU is currently the only area the Government can control given Brussels free movement rules.
The number of Indian students coming to UK universities has halved to 20,000 since the Tories took power in 2010.
Curry restaurant owners backed a leave vote on June 23 after being courted with the promise more cooks would be able to come to Britain.
And over the weekend India's High Commissioner warned a free trade deal with Brexit Britain could be at risk without a visa deal.
Dinesh Patnaik said at the very least restrictions on students and tourists had to go.
He said: "Post Brexit, you need Indians."