Wednesday, February 16 2005 13:03 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

London: Ties between India and Britain are entering the 'golden period' and the 1.6 million NRIs in London can partly claim credit for it, Indian High Commissioner Kamalesh Sharma said.

"I am obliged to all of you (NRIs) for having won the admiration of the people in London by excelling in every walk of life, be it education, trade or business," he said at a function in Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan in London last night (Feb 15, 2005).

Referring to the 'blossoming' of the bilateral relations, he said NRIs have acted as the real bridge between the two countries and "currently the bilateral ties are entering a golden period."

On the rapid progress made by India in different walks of life, the High Commissioner said according to experts India would emerge as the third largest economy by 2040.

With India making rapid progress economically, IT and Bollywood have become two great Indian brands globally.

Thanks to its green revolution, India has not only become self-sufficient in foodgrains but could feed half of the world. Similarly, it was making rapid progress in manufacturing and service sectors as well.

Baroness Usha Prashar said that the economic progress made by India has made everyone proud. "Even the youngsters born here are proud of India and want to learn more about it."

Maneck Dalal, OBE, Chairman, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan and Nand Kumar, Executive Director of the Bhavan also spoke on the occasion.