If his two-day visit to India is any indication, it would appear that British Prime Minister David Cameron has taken the bull by the horns, so to speak, in an effort to shore up the British economy. The agenda for Cameron's trip was simple: pack the chartered plane with ministers, business leaders and a few sportsmen and attempt to boost his country's fragile post-recession recovery by stating humbly that his was just one nation that was beating a path to India's door.
Trade and commerce will, in all probability, be the cornerstone of Britain's foreign policy and Cameron has decided to be aggressive about it. In fact, he should receive a gold star for illustrating his intentions and redefining his government's long-neglected relationship with one of the world's fastest-growing economies. In return, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will not be averse to signing a few deals in defence, infrastructure, retail and the mobile phone sector, as long as his counterpart keeps his commitment to backing New Delhi's bid for a seat in the UN Security Council.
Tactically Cameron's visit must be lauded. He is aware that the Indian government is closer in its ties with the US, but the umbilical chord of history and culture has not been cut with Britain. This is precisely what he has attempted to exploit, claiming that Bollywood, Indian cuisine and passion for cricket — and especially Sachin Tendulkar — resonate in his country, home to two million Indians, its largest ethnic minority group. Putting a finger on the pulse of Indian culture was shrewd and effective.
Longevity is the key in order to ensure that this relationship blossoms. Both parties are aware that long-term projections in this alliance will reap more dividends than a hasty alliance. This should suit Cameron perfectly as he attempts to reinvigorate Britain's prospects.
