By Vishnu Makhijani, IANS
New Delhi : Visiting British Prime Minister Gordon Brown Sunday backed India’s bid for a permanent seat in an expanded UN Security Council, saying Britain favoured New Delhi’s aspirations that have received wide support around the world.
“I take pleasure in saying that Britain backs India’s bid for a seat in (an expanded) UN Security Council,” he said while participating in a panel discussion at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) here, hours after arriving here on a two-day visit, his first here after assuming office.
At the same time he hedged his bets on expanding the G-8 group of developed nations but said he favoured regular interaction between the grouping and the five permanent members of the Security Council with India playing a “prominent role” in the discussions.
He also spoke of the need for the early conclusion of the Doha Round of trade talks, warning that the world would slide back to protectionism if this did not happen.
As he began the visit, Brown made two important announcements. One related to providing aid of 825 million pounds over the next three years for a women’s empowerment scheme, of which 500 million pounds will be spent on health and sanitation.
The other announcement related to launching a venture capital fund to promote entrepreneurship among young Indians big on ideas but short on cash.
During the IIT discussion, Brown was, however, circumspect when asked if he favoured expanding the G-8 to possibly G-10 with the inclusion of India and China.
“What we would like is for the G-8 and the P-5 to meet regularly and that India should have a prominent role in these discussions,” the prime minister stated.
On the Doha Round of talks that are stalled over the developing countries’ insistence that the US and the European Union reduce farm subsidies, Brown urged the quickening of the process.
“India’s needs can be met. The US and the European Union can reduce farm subsidies but it is time for a world trade agreement that opens up trade so that we do not slip back into protectionism.
“A world trade agreement will benefit Britain, India and the poorest people in the world,” Brown contended, adding: “Mutual trade is for the mutual benefit of all peoples. Any government that closes the door will suffer.”
Brown also hoped that India would play a “constructive role” in creating a new global paradigm on climate change, sought more intensive cooperation against terrorism and gently prodded his host to do more on Myanmar.
Two hours after landing here from China, Brown drove to a function on women’s empowerment, where he spoke to reporters on his expectations for his visit. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh hosted a private dinner for Brown at his official residence Sunday night, while formal talks will take place Monday evening.
Terming relations between India and Britain as a “partnership of equals” between “two confident 21st century economies”, Brown delineated the broad areas for talks with his Indian counterpart as “economic relationship, security and terrorism, environment, education, scientific exchanges, reform and review of global institutions”.
Later in the day, amidst thunderous and repeated applause, Brown announced the launch of a venture capital fund to promote entrepreneurship.
“Since networking is important to promote start ups, I take pleasure in announcing today the launch of a venture capital fund to help a new generation of Indian entrepreneurs get started,” Brown said while participating in the IIT panel discussion.
“Through the Angel Network, young Indians with ideas but who don’t have access to funds will get a chance to become entrepreneurs,” Brown declared with a broad sweep of his hands.