Modi's visit another example of UK wooing Asia for trade and investment deals

London

NARENDRA Modi's red carpet visit to the UK, only weeks after Xi Jinping, is another example of the Conservative Government's trade and investment courtship of Asia.

According to diplomats, deals worth £8 to £12 billion (S$17.2 to S$25.9 billion) are likely to be signed during the Indian premier's visit to London, including purchases of 20 more BAE Systems Hawk trainer aircraft. Mr Modi, despite his controversial reputation, will become the first Indian prime minister to address both Houses of Parliament. He will receive a rock star welcome from around 60,000 of Britain's 1.5 million-strong Indian diaspora at Wembley Stadium, where there will be a concert and Diwali fireworks display.

Similarly to Xi, protesters have lined up against the visit, although as opposed to China, India is a democracy. More than 200 writers, including celebrity authors such as Salman Rushdie, Ian McEwan and Nikita Lalwani, signed an open letter to Prime Minister David Cameron urging him to raise concerns about freedom of expression in Ind…