The first visit of of Mr.Gordon Brown to India as the British Prime minister ,was though low in profile in nature,did cover some issues of international significance.
The British Prime minister joined the select list of world leaders supporting the India’s bid for a seat in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). He further emphasized the need for reforming the international institutions as the World Bank, International Monetary Fund etc., These reforms are needed to achieve the twin objectives of equipping them to deal with the challenges of 21st Century and provide true representation for the new global order. There was a general acceptance among the world community for reforming the United Nations Security Council (UNSC),but the real difficulties lay in identifying the nature and content of these changes. Implicit in the observation was the support for the demand of India for a seat in the Security Council.
The British Prime minister also supported India’s nuclear deal with U.S.A. and also an appropriate India specific exemption in the guidelines of the Nuclear Supply Group (NSG). Besides, the two countries would also work towards a bilateral agreement in the civil sector. India and Britain also signed an agreement in the scientific arena. On the business front, Mr.Brown hoped that deals worth more than U.S.$10 billion would be signed.
On the environmental front, he proposed a creation of a global climate change fund to finance low-carbon investment, adaptation and climate-resilient development in the poorest countries.
The British Prime Minister was conferred the honorary degree of D.Litt by the Delhi University in recognition of his achievements in the fields of academics and public service at a a special convocation.
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