A step towards better ties

Passing of Dual Citizenship Bill by India brought much cheer to PIOs.

The year 2003 brought cheer to Indians in the UK when the Indian Parliament passed the Bill granting dual citizenship to people of Indian origin (PIOs) in eight countries including the United Kingdom.

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Expansion of air links between UK and India, reduction and changes in visa fee and more British visa offices in India were some of the moves towards strengthening ties between the two countries.

Trade was one of the major sectors in focus this year. NR Narayana Murthy of the Infosys took over as India's Co-Chair at the Indo-British Partnership (IBP), while the Karan Billimoria of Cobra Beer was chosen to represent British side. Apart from a number of business initiatives in the UK, India also opened a Business Centre in London to give new impetus to the burgeoning Indo-British trade.

In the defence sector, India's decision to buy the billion-pound Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer was also a boost to better relations with the UK.