British ministers woo India for trade, defence contracts

Britain's chancellor and foreign secretary began a visit to India Monday for talks on trade and defence with the newly elected government, dpa reported.
George Osborne and William Hague arrived in the financial hub of Mumbai where they were slated to meet business leaders.
On Tuesday, they were to travel to New Delhi for discussions with
Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj and Finance and Defence Minister Arun Jaitley before meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
"Purpose of our India visit is to build even stronger diplomatic and economic ties - good for jobs and growth in both countries," Hague wrote on his Twitter account.
Hague and Osborne will also push for closer security and defence ties with India, a major importer of military weapons and equipment.
The ministers said they wanted British companies to get contracts to help build 100 new cities planned by Modi as well as develop new roads, railways and ports.