Stay united for Modi event, envoy tells UK Indians

It’s important to present a united front... This will be the first welcome for an Indian PM in Britain in nearly 10 years. He’s the first PM with a clear majority in 30 years. RANJAN MATHAI, Indian high commissioner

Indian high commissioner Ranjan Mathai told leaders of over 450 organisations on Sunday evening that it was important to present a united front during the November 13 community event at the Wembley Stadium to honour Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Speaking at a ‘thanksgiving’ event that brought together lead- ers of the 450 organisations registered as ‘welcome partners’, Mathai said ongoing preparations were a “huge undertaking” and the Wembley event would not only match similar ones in the US but “outdo” them.

Organisers have promised an “Olympic-style” event that will not only be the largest welcome Modi has received outside India, but the largest any visiting foreign leader had received in Britain. Over 60,000 people have registered for the same. “It is important to present a united front... This will be the first welcome for an Indian PM in Britain in nearly 10 years. He is the first PM with a majority in 30 years. He has a clear and dynamic vision for India’s place in the world,” Mathai said.

Modi is scheduled to arrive here on November 12 and leave on November 14. The Wembley event is one of several planned but there is some concern that it may overshadow the bilateral aspect of the visit.

Organised by the Europe India Forum headed by prominent industrialist Nat Puri, the November 13 event will also witness a display of fireworks and cultural events. Besides meeting PM David Cameron, Modi is expected to address parliament and inaugurate a museum-cummemorial for BR Ambedkar.