UK firms eye India to beat recession

India is top on the priority list of many British corporate houses as many companies having business in India have been able to survive the economic slowdown. Now over 500 UK firms want to expand in India, reports Devraj Uchil.

India is top on the priority list of many British corporate houses as many companies having business in India have been able to survive the economic slowdown. Now over 500 UK firms want to expand in India.

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"We are no more just talking about India, we are here in India," said Sharon Bamford, chief executive officer of UK-India Business Council. The council opened its office in Mumbai on Thursday.

"India is in a better position than most other nations to face recession," Bamford said."Our survey shows that over 500 UK firms want to expand in India."

Three companies, incuding architectural firms Benoy, Sturgis and service office provider Avanta have already opened their offices in India this month.

Nuclear power generating and ancillary firms from UK want to be part of the nuclear power opportunity in India. Seventeen such companies, including Rolls Royce, have met Indian government officials.