Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the UK on Wednesday for a four-day visit of bilateral engagements as well as multilateral discussions.

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4 pm: Modi pays tributes at Basaveswara statue on the banks of River Thames. Demonstrations for and against the prime minister are also expected during this time.

The prime minister's visit to the UK will focus on enhancing India-UK tech partnership. The visit will see a number of deliverables in the area of skill development, healthcare, cyber security, innovation, traditional medicine, and education. The India-UK CEOs Forum will also take place during this visit. UK will formally convey their readiness to join the International Solar Alliance.

The prime minister had held talks with United Kingdom's foreign secretary Borris Johnson immediately at arrival in UK on Tuesday midnight. Modi is currently holding talks with his British counterpart Theresa May at her official residence. The two leaders are expected to finalise and discuss several deliverables.

The prime minister is going to meet Queen Elizabeth in London today after his bilateral talks with British Prime Minister Theresa May.

Narendra Modi to meet Queen of England later in the day

Narendra Modi met Prince Charles at the London Science museum and he is later expected to meet Queen Elizabeth at the Buckingham Palace. The prime minister has a long day ahead, with a live addres, a CEO's summit and several tours planned through the day. Tomorrow, he will partake in the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at the Science Museum in London to explore the '5000 Years of Science and Innovation' exhibition and interact with Indian-origin and other scientists and innovators based in the UK.

The event, called Bharat Ki Baat, Sabke Saath, will be attended by 1,500 invitees, which were selected by lottery after they register on a website created for the event, Hindustan Times reported.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address an invitation-only event in London's historic Central Hall Westminster, which will be a globally broadcast live event. However, the address will be a scaled-down version of his November 2015 community event at Wembley stadium that drew a croud of close to 30,000.

The move is being seen as an attempt to woo the Lingayata electorate in Karnataka.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his packed schedule, took out time to make a short stop at the Basaveshwara statue in London to pay his respects. The bust of Basvana statue was inaugurated by the prime minister during his last visit to the UK in 2015.

The lead organiser of the event insisted that the prime minister's short stop to pay homage to Lingayat phillosopher Basaveshwara had no connection with the forthcoming election. The party also said that the prime minister paying respect to the statue was much more than symbolism or political posturing, Times Now reported.

India continued to be the third largest investor in the UK and emerged as the second largest international job creator with Indian companies having created over 110,000 jobs in the UK. However the trade deficit between the two countries has increased. According to a 2016 UK government's report the trade with India declined by 26 percent in 2016 than what it was in 2015.

UK is among India’s major trading partners. The merchandise trade between the two countries in 2017 reached $13 billion, and trade in services is around $7.2 billion. UK is the 4th largest inward investor in India with a cumulative equity investment of $25.31 billion, accounting for around 7 percent of all foreign direct investment into India.

"India’s modest request under what is called Mode 4 relating to visas for IT specialists was firmly rebuffed. The message to India that 'we want your money but we don’t want your people' was, to say the least, not a great pitch," the article argues.

According to another article in The Guardian , things have been slower because Britain has refused to up the pitch even in the post-Brexit scenario when its needs are substantially more than what they were when it enjoyed free trade across EU member states.

"In the case of India, to get trade talks started the UK would need to agree to grant more visas for Indian workers, something the UK government blocked in the EU-India FTA talks," Open Britain pointed out.

Both India and the United Kingdom have been in talks over a Free Trade Agreement since as long back as 2007, but things have been moving slow. With Brexit looming large, the British government is now even more desperate to scale up trade with non-EU countries such as US, India, China, Saudi Arabia etc. However, according to a report by an anti-Brexit think-tank it could take as much as 7 years to materialise.

Modi, who arrived at 10 Downing Street for a breakfast meeting, was greeted with the customary handshake by his British counterpart. "Very welcome to London, Prime Minister," May said as she greeted Modi.

​ Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his British counterpart Theresa May today held wide-ranging talks on redefining and infusing new energy into the bilateral engagement after Britain's exit from the European Union (EU).

"It is an honour to pay homage to Bhagwan Basaveshwara during my UK visit. The ideals of Bhagwan Basaveshwara motivate people across the entire world," the prime minister tweeted.

Its an honour to pay homage to Bhagwan Basaveshwara during my UK visit: Narendra Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at an event hosted by Prince Charles, inaugurated a new Ayurvedic Centre of Excellence, aimed at creating a first-of-its-kind global network for evidence-based research on yoga and Ayurveda.

Downing Street spokesperson said that the two prime ministers discussed the chemical weapons attacks in Salisbury and Syria, expressing concern and making clear their opposition to the use of chemical weapons by any party in any circumstances. May and Modi also discussed cooperation on legal matters, which gives hope that India could negotiate deportation of people facing trial in India.

Theresa May updated the prime minister on progress of UK’s withdrawal from EU, saying implementation period agreed in March gives Indian companies and investors confidence that market access will continue on current terms until end of 2020, ANI reported.

Reports claim that the British authorities are ready to roll the red carpet for Prime Minister Modi as London woos New Delhi for greater access to its markets. According to The Times of India , Modi will be the only head of state out of 52 to be transported between venues at the Commonwealth Summit in London in the luxury of a chauffeur-driven limousine. All others will travel by coach during the summit.

Narendra Modi and Theresa May at India-UK CEO Forum at Francis Crick Institute in London

The prime minister emphasised it needs to be a balanced agreement which have mutual benefits, the foreign secretary said on Modi's visit. "I think there is something in the joint statement which is in agreed position, but this was not a major discussion between the two prime ministers. The prime minister said that the use of chemical weapons anywhere under any circumstances is not acceptable," - ANI

PM Modi and PM May held discussions on a wide-range of issues including trade and investment, bilateral issues and international issues after which a joint trade review was held. PM described extremism,radicalism,terrorism as a rising challenge for both countries and for countries across the globe. It was agreed that one area where we need to enhance cooperation substantially is in cyber security field.

Gokhale also said there will be a meeting of Home Secretary and Home Minister, perhaps the end of next month where they are likely to continue the discussion on that time.- ANI

"The issue of economic offenders was also raised and this was among a number of consular issues that were raised. I have already covered the issue of mobilising professionals and students and the like.Views were also exchanged on current international and multilateral issues," Foreign Secretary Vijay Keshav Gokhale Gokhale said. I think there is something in the joint statement which is in agreed position, but this was not a major discussion between the two prime ministers. The prime minister said that the use of chemical weapons anywhere under any circumstances is not acceptable, he added.MoU on illegal immigrants is under discussion.

Visuals from Westminster Central Hall, where Modi will address the Indian diaspora in UK

"I look at these questions differently. The moment you become satisfied, life does not move forward. In every age, in every situation, we must strive to keep do something new. That must be the force driving us. If someone says that impatience is not a virtue, they're probably old."

"In any home, parents love all their children equally but when there's a job to be done, they call out to one child, knowing the job will get done, don't you agree?", Modi said.

Using analogies from both the personal realm and the public square, Modi explains his view of 'New India' in London.

"For me the glass is always half full. You'll always find people who'll say a glass is half full, some will say half empty. I'm different. I say this - it is half full and the rest is (filled with) air": Modi to Indian diaspora in London.

Modi speaks of distance between government and citizens and how to bridge the chasm

Narendra Modi hit the rewind button to one of his favourite tales from long ago to illustrate the wide chasm between government and citizens. He spoke to Prasoon Joshi about how people in buses often dig their fingers into the soft foam of the seats, often tearing into the rexine covering. "That happens when the people don't feel close to the government. When they believe they are walking with us on the same path, they will take care of our country and the country's property."

Modi reveals intricate details on surgical strikes against Pakistan - the planning, the execution and the closure. "Before the media got there, before my fellow countrymen woke up to the news, we informed them ( Pakistan). We called, they were afraid to pick up the phone. We informed them what we had done, we told them to get rid of the corpses they would find. We did our job. We did not hide anything. I will not tolerate anyone stabbing us in the back and making a business out of terror."

We called them (Pakistan) and told them about the surgical strikes, we have nothing to hide: Modi in London

When a child is raped, do we compare metrics versus earlier governments? That is shameful: Modi

"When a child is raped, what could be worse? Is that the time to compare metrics versus the earlier governments? When a girl comes home late, all parents are worried. When a boy goes out and comes home late, why don't we ask him where he was? Look, I have lived the life of a poor man, I don't need to learn about it from a book. Nothing is more important to me than to make our country safer, cleaner...."

As protests rage on against the Kathua and Unnao rape horrors, Modi in London speaks of violence against the girl child

"Those who fling stones at me, I use those same stones to make a stairway for myself and keep moving forward": Modi recites lines from a poem he wrote

Speaking in Hindi for over an hour now, Narendra Modi is in full flow. He says he takes criticism in his stride because, "after all, people need someone to trash, someone to fling barbs at."

"Modi is essential, we all need someone to criticise, after all"

1. "Children must be educated." 2. "Youth must have jobs." 3. "The elderly must have access to medicines."

We want to create 1. 5 lakhs of health centres in India: Modi

"Gujarat was the first state in the country which got 24 hours electricity supply but ask any 18 year old in India today about lack of power and they just won't understand what you're talking about. That's how far we have come."

"When I was Gujarat chief minister, I used to get these wonderful gifts at various events - sometimes a silver sword, often beautiful paintings. Wouldn't anyone want to keep these in their homes? Not me. I auctioned them away and soon enough we had Rs 100 crore with which we created a fund for the education of the girl child. That is my life, I have been so poor that these riches don't affect me."

I have been so poor and endured so many difficulties that power and riches don't affect me: Modi

"Responding to an audience question on how he stays fit, Modi replies: "For the last 20 years, I've been on a special diet. I take 20 kg or 30 kg of criticism daily. That's the secret of my fitness," Modi said sparking many rounds of laughter in Westminster's Central Hall in London.

“This is not like the old times, when all is good and great, when India and all the other countries are all on the same platform. No. This is a time when we must stand for what is best about us and say it loudly and with confidence from the highest mountain. Who stopped us from going to Israel? I went. If it is necessary for our country, I will go to Iran too."

"I am not worried about criticism. Please criticise because that keeps us alert and aware. But criticism has been degraded to become allegations now. People do not do the research necessary to be able to criticise in a robust way. People say I don’t respond to criticism but that’s because I give credence to criticism. I go deep, I try to understand what’s really going on. That takes time.”

"I have no need for fame or riches or power. I have lived through poverty, I am restless for India's development. Tell me, has the power of your Indian passport increased or not?", Modi says to a cheering London diaspora audience before signing off after more than two hours of conversation with Prasoon Joshi.

"Ask not how I would like to be remembered, ask what India represents to the world": Modi

"I'm just an ordinary man like you. Think of me like one of you. The position I occupy is about work. I am a lifelong student. My equity is the support of a billion Indians. I may make mistakes but I will never do it with the wrong intentions. I have been Gujarat's longest serving chief minister. I have never done and will never do anything with the wrong intention. I never though I could change the country. But I believe fervently that if there are a million problems in India, we have a billion solutions. That is where I draw my strength from."

1. "Children must be educated." 2. "Youth must have jobs." 3. "The elderly must have access to medicines."

We want to create 1. 5 lakhs of health centres in India: Modi

We must create an ecosystem so that people can thrive in our country: Modi

"Gujarat was the first state in the country which got 24 hours electricity supply but ask any 18 year old in India today about lack of power and they just won't understand what you're talking about. That's how far we have come."

"When I was Gujarat chief minister, I used to get these wonderful gifts at various events - sometimes a silver sword, often beautiful paintings. Wouldn't anyone want to keep these in their homes? Not me. I auctioned them away and soon enough we had Rs 100 crore with which we created a fund for the education of the girl child. That is my life, I have been so poor that these riches don't affect me."

I have been so poor and endured so many difficulties that power and riches don't affect me: Modi

"Responding to an audience question on how he stays fit, Modi replies: "For the last 20 years, I've been on a special diet. I take 20 kg or 30 kg of criticism daily. That's the secret of my fitness," Modi said sparking many rounds of laughter in Westminster's Central Hall in London.

“This is not like the old times, when all is good and great, when India and all the other countries are all on the same platform. No. This is a time when we must stand for what is best about us and say it loudly and with confidence from the highest mountain. Who stopped us from going to Israel? I went. If it is necessary for our country, I will go to Iran too."

"I am not worried about criticism. Please criticise because that keeps us alert and aware. But criticism has been degraded to become allegations now. People do not do the research necessary to be able to criticise in a robust way. People say I don’t respond to criticism but that’s because I give credence to criticism. I go deep, I try to understand what’s really going on. That takes time.”

"I have no need for fame or riches or power. I have lived through poverty, I am restless for India's development. Tell me, has the power of your Indian passport increased or not?", Modi says to a cheering London diaspora audience before signing off after more than two hours of conversation with Prasoon Joshi.

"Ask not how I would like to be remembered, ask what India represents to the world": Modi

"I'm just an ordinary man like you. Think of me like one of you. The position I occupy is about work. I am a lifelong student. My equity is the support of a billion Indians. I may make mistakes but I will never do it with the wrong intentions. I have been Gujarat's longest serving chief minister. I have never done and will never do anything with the wrong intention. I never though I could change the country. But I believe fervently that if there are a million problems in India, we have a billion solutions. That is where I draw my strength from."

Narendra Modi in London Latest update: In a joint statement released on Wednesday, UK and India vowed for deeper cooperation in war against terrorism. The two prime ministers also said that they will take decisive action against globally-proscribed terrorists and terror entities, including Pakistan sponsored groups such as Lashkar-e-Tayibba, Jaish-e-Mohammad, Hizb-ul-Mujahideen. The issue of economic offenders was also raised and this was among a number of consular issues that were raised as sources said Vijay Mallya was discussed.

Both India and the United Kingdom have been in talks over a Free Trade Agreement since as long back as 2007, but things have been moving slow. Improving trade ties and taking forward an MoU on illegal immigrants are prime on Modi's agenda. Moreover, India is likely to negotiate easier student and work Visa access for its nationals in return of opening up its markets for Britain.

Prime Minister reached out to the Lingayat voter base back at home as he made time in his packed schedule to stop by at a Basvanna statue he inaugurated during his last UK visit in 2015. Modi garlanded the statue and paid his respects.

After meeting Theresa May, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was greeted by Prince Charles at the 500 Years of Science and Innovation London Science Museum. He will also meet the Queen later.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the UK on Wednesday for a four-day visit of bilateral engagements as well as multilateral discussions as part of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).

UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson received Modi at the Heathrow airport in London.

Johnson said he was "excited" about the growing India-UK bilateral trade and that the visit will help build on "huge economic advantages".

"..thanks to our shared history, we have a living bridge between us...and now we want to build on the incredible tech sector where both India and the UK are making giant strides together," Johnson said in a statement.

Modi is set for a packed day of official engagements on Wednesday, starting with his bilateral meeting with British prime minister Theresa May at 10 Downing Street.

The two leaders are expected to discuss a wide range of issues of mutual interest, including separatism, cross-border terrorism, visas and immigration.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the return of illegal immigrants, which had expired in 2014, will be officially renewed to take into account biometric and other developments in the field, along with a range of nearly a dozen MoUs across different sectors.

Modi will then head to the Science Museum in London to visit the '5000 Years of Science and Innovation' exhibition where he will interact with Indian-origin and other scientists and innovators based in the UK.

The event, hosted by Prince Charles, will include the launch of a new Ayurvedic Centre of Excellence, aimed at creating a first-of-its-kind global network for evidence-based research on yoga and Ayurveda.

A brief stop to garland the Basaveshwara statue — which Modi had inaugurated during his last visit to the UK in 2015 — on the banks of the river Thames will then be followed by his second meeting with May at an event hosted by the British prime minister at the Francis Crick Institute.

After an interaction with Indian-origin scientists working on cancer research, malaria and other tropical diseases, both leaders will initiate the India-UK CEOs Forum.

Modi is then scheduled for a private audience with Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace before the 'Bharat Ki Baat, Sabke Saath' diaspora event, to be telecast live from the iconic Central Hall Westminster in London on Wednesday.

The event, billed as the centrepiece of the 'Living Bridge' theme of the India-UK bilateral visit, will involve Modi addressing questions from across the world which have already been received via social media.

At the end of the live telecast, he will join Heads of Government from 52 other Commonwealth countries at a dinner hosted by the British prime minister as a formal welcome to CHOGM.

This will be followed by the executive session of the heads in London on Thursday before they head to Windsor for the CHOGM retreat, where the world leaders will interact on an informal basis.

This will conclude Modi's UK visit after which he will leave for India.

According to official estimates, the India-UK bilateral trade stands at USD 13 billion, with the UK among the largest G20 investors into India.

Modi's visit will have a particular focus on the India-UK technological partnership as well as an enhanced role in the Commonwealth.

"India's engagement is absolutely brilliant… there is a recognition that the Commonwealth offers a great opportunity for India and within that opportunity lies an opportunity for the rest of the Commonwealth," says Lord Marland, chairman of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC).

An Indian prime minister will attend the Commonwealth summit, which is held every two years, after a hiatus of nearly a decade, having last attended the 2009 CHOGM in Trinidad and Tobago.

The Indian government has said that Modi's attendance at the summit this year symbolises the country's wider efforts to step up its role across global forums. This stepped-up engagement is likely to take the form of increased activity within the Commonwealth, including greater resources and manpower as well as financial contributions.

With inputs from agencies