Cameron to offer direct say to New Delhi in Britain's new policy

Leading the largest official delegation to the subcontinent since the end of the British Raj, British prime minister David Cameron, currently on a two-day visit to India, is planning to offer India a direct say in drawing up Britain's new immigration policy to address fears of a proposed cap adversely impacting trade links between the two countries.

The British government is making it clear that Britain would consult New Delhi on a proposed cap on non-EU immigration in what is to be defined a new ''spirit of humility'' approach towards India.

Cameron's trip to India opens with a speech to business leaders in Bangalore today. The  British prime minister is set to launch a new chapter in relations with New Delhi when he declares that Britain needs to go beyond the links dating back to the days of the Raj and forge a new relationship with India, the 12th largest economy in the world.

According to a report in The Guardian newspaper, commerce minister Anand Sharma told Cameron in Downing Street that the cap would adversely affect trade relations.

The proposed cap on non-EU immigration has been the subject much heated debate within the British cabinet. The measure would be effective from next April. Home secretary, Theresa May has imposed a temporary cap of 24,100.

According to analysts, the signals indicate that British government accepts the importance of India to improve trade links, which currently stand at a modest £11.5 billion a year.