Mayor of London Ken Livingstone today met Mr Pranab Mukherjee, the Indian Minister of External Affairs to welcome him to London on a visit. Meeting in central London, Mr Mukherjee welcomed the further strengthening of the capital's ties with India. The Mayor stressed the importance of London's links with India in all spheres and the contribution made by the Indian community to London in both business and culture.

The Mayor told Mr Mukherjee that joint economic benefits from the close relationship between London and India would be part of the focus of his visit to India in the Autumn. The Mayor said: 'India is an emerging economic superpower and one of the world's greatest cultures. The importance of London's relations with India is already very great and is only going to grow further. That is why London was proud to stage India Now, a three month celebration of India in the summer.

'I am looking forward to my forthcoming visit to India and opening London offices in Mumbai and Delhi. These will further strengthen our ties. In business, society and culture.'