India a big contributor to UK economy: UK business secretary

Conceding that Indian-owned firms in UK have emerged as largest employers in the British manufacturing sector, Britain today said it welcomes skilled workers and students from India.

The issue of recent visa tightening by UK came for discussion between visiting UK secretary of state for business, innovation and skills Vincent Cable and commerce and industry minister Anand Sharma in New Delh.

"The issue which is now being discussed and consulted upon is students ... we welcome them," Cable said after the meeting.

He said that overseas students and skilled workers make contributions to British universities and economy. "The economic contribution of the students is valuable as it has diversity, we welcome diversity," Cable said.

He said Indian-owned companies have emerged as the largest employer in the UK''s manufacturing sector.

Last year, UK tightened rules for international students including from India. To get visas, they had set new measures like a good command over English and restricting the lowest-level courses only to the most trusted institutions.