VVIP chopper deal: PM conveys India's concerns, David Cameron assures cooperation- highlights

New Delhi: British Prime Minister David Cameron met with Dr Manmohan Singh this morning in Delhi and has promised full cooperation as India investigates whether bribes were paid for a 12-helicopter deal with AgustaWestland (AW), an Anglo-Italian company based in  southwest Britain.

Below are the highlights:

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh:

• Gives me great pleasure to welcome British PM David Cameron to our country
• His leadership has given strong momentum to strategic partnership between India and UK
• We expressed satisfaction while stressing need to do more to take the relationship to a new level
• I invited increased British investment in India, including in infrastructure and energy
• Also conveyed to the PM our concerns over allegations of unfair means used to secure 2010 AugustaWestland deal
• We have sought an explanation from company by February 22
• I have sought full assistance from UK, PM Cameron has assured me of cooperation from UK
• In keeping with our strategic relationship, it is important for our two sides to consult closely
• PM Cameron's visit is another milestone in our bilateral relationship
• I thanked Mr Cameron for Britain's support on India's inclusion as a permanent seat in the Nuclear suppliers Group
  

David Cameron:

• In terms of business and trade, we are on track to double bilateral trade to 23 bn pounds by 2015
• Corridor of new towns between Bangalore and Mumbai
  
• We are going to bring in a same day visa service for Indian investors
  
• No limits on Indian students wanting to study in UK
• We have a new program on cooperation in cyber-security
• On AugustaWestland: We will respond to any request for information. I am glad Italian authorities are looking into this in detail
• We will root out any problems of bribery and corruption whenever and wherever they appear. We have strong anti-bribery laws
• Very purposeful and frank discussions between two politicians who enjoy working together
• The potential of this relationship is immense and we are committed to working together 
  
• We will respond to any assistance sought by India