Theresa May steps out in sari as she hails success of ‘Global Britain’ drive during India trade trip
Deals sealed during visit expected to create more than 1,300 jobs in the UK with PM determined to seize post-Brexit opportunities
THERESA May donned a sari on the final day of her trip to India to drum up trade for Britain, and declared her visit a success in her drive to build ";global Britain".
The Prime Minister wore the traditional Indian clothing as she visited the Sri Someshwara Hindu temple in Bangalore, the southern city which has become the IT sector hub of the sub-continent.
She went to India at the head of a 33-strong business delegation with the aim of bringing down barriers to commerce and paving the way for a free trade agreement following Brexit.
Speaking to Sky News at the end of her three-day visit, she said: "Leaving the EU presents us with a world of opportunities and I'm determined to seize them.
"That's why I'm here in India, delivering on global Britain. And I have to say the response has been very good.
"During this visit, we've seen £1 billion worth of deals being signed and we've come to an agreement with the Indian government that we will work together with them on developing our trade relationship for the future.
"What does that mean? It means more jobs, more investment in the UK, more trade for British businesses and that's good for everyone."
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The first leg of Mrs May's visit, in the capital, New Delhi, was dominated by tensions over visas, with her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi putting pressure on the UK to ease restrictions on students and skilled workers coming to Britain.
In return the PM offered a deal where she would discuss ways to improve the visa application process for Indian citizens if India gives more help with sending back people who have overstayed their visas in the UK.
But for the Prime Minister, trade has been the priority, with deals sealed during the trip expected to create more than 1,300 jobs in the UK.
And she has said the fundamentals of the UK economy are strong, despite a report from respected thinktank the Institute for Fiscal Studies warning the outlook for public finances has worsened by £25billion since the Budget in March.
Asked about the report during her trip to India, Mrs May told the BBC: "Remember the fundamentals of the UK economy are strong, we've seen our deficit reduced by two thirds. We are determined to continue to live within our means.”
It comes as Philip Hammond prepares for his first Autumn Statement as Chancellor, on November 23.