High Commissioner’s meeting with Rt. Hon. Mr. David Lammy,
Minister of State for Higher Education, UK
(November 18, 2008)

High Commissioner called on Rt. Hon. Mr. David Lammy, newly appointed Minister of State for Higher Education, UK in his office on November 18, 2008.  After the exchange of pleasantries, High Commissioner recalled that during the visit of Prime Minister Gordon Brown to India in January 2008, it was decided to set up UK-India Education Forum to further the cooperation in the field of education.  High Commissioner briefed Hon’ble Minister on the first UK-India Education Forum Meeting held in London in September 2008 and mentioned that UK-India were natural partners in education. 

2.       Hon’ble Minister enquired about the affect of recent global economic downturn on the Indian economy.  High Commissioner informed him that in spite of the downturn, Indian economy was expected to grow at the rate of 7 – 7.5%.  Education was the top priority for India and the Government of India had made massive increase in the budgetary allocation on education under the 11th Plan.  High Commissioner informed the Minister that decisions taken during first meeting of Education Forum are to be followed up through a Joint Working Group and the meeting of the Group is due to take place through a video link between London and New Delhi in December 2008. 

3.       Hon’ble Minister recalled the visit of his predecessor Rt. Hon. Mr. Bill Rammel, former Minister of State for Higher Education, UK to India in 2008 and stated that in addition to cooperation in higher education sector, for which road map was clearer, we should also identify other sectors for cooperation between India and UK. 

4.       High Commissioner also briefed Hon’ble Minister on the ongoing State elections in India including in the State of Jammu & Kashmir and mentioned that general elections are due in 2009 summer. 

5.       Hon’ble Minister was happy to know the outcome of the first meeting of the UK-India Education Forum and stated that by the next meeting of Forum in June 2009 in Delhi, we should be able to finalise various collaborative arrangements.