London: Describing India as one of the most important countries in the world with its people having "tremendous spirit of enterprise", British Prime Minister Tony Blair has said Indo-UK relations have become stronger after undergoing a "huge change".

"The relations between our two countries have obviously undergone a huge change in the past few years. They are stronger today than, I remember, at any point of time. That is an excellent thing," he said at the House of Commons, which for the second time in a fortnight celebrated Diwali, the festival of lights.

While the Diwali celebration on October 31 was organised by Keith Vaz, Former Minister for Europe, and several Hindu organisations, the function was organised by the Labour Friends of India which has a support of 122 members of Parliament (MPs). It was attended by Tourism Minister Jagmohan, Indian High Commissioner Ronen Sen, British Treasury Secretary Paul Boeteng, several MPs and distinguished citizens.

Terming his visit to India earlier this year as "immensely memorable", Blair, who also lighted a traditional lamp on the occasion, said for obvious reasons "India is one of the most important countries in the world."

Despite the problems of poverty and underdevelopment, he said, "There is a tremendous spirit of enterprise, willingness and desire to get up and go" in the country.

Jagmohan said the Indian culture and civilisation had survived mainly because of the many festivals like Diwali.

"Our British friends also played a major role both in excavation and finding out antiquities of Indian civilisation particularly the Indus Valley Civilisation."

PTI