New Delhi, February 17
Close on the heels of French President Francois Hollande’s visit, New Delhi is set to host British Prime Minister David Cameron next week and all attempts are being made by the two sides to ensure that the visit is not clouded by the corruption scandal over British-built helicopters.

Cameron, on his second visit to India since becoming prime minister in May 2010, will be accompanied by a high-level business delegation that will include chief executive officers with interests ranging from energy to education.

The UK connection David Cameron is likely to be pressed for more information on the kickbacks in the Rs 3,600-crore VVIP helicopters scam involving Anglo-Italian firm AgustaWestland. The helicopters, three of which have already been delivered, are manufactured in southwest England. Westland used to be a UK firm and was taken over by Italian defence giant Finmeccanica. India has met UK Foreign Office officials to get assistance in probing the allegations of corruption in the deal.

Cameron will begin his three-day trip in Mumbai tomorrow. He will meet his host and counterpart Manmohan Singh for talks on Tuesday. The two leaders will review the entire gamut of bilateral relations as well as international developments, particularly the situation in Afghanistan.

But the British leader is likely to be pressed for more information on the kickbacks in the Rs 3,600-crore VVIP helicopters scam involving Anglo-Italian firm AgustaWestland. The helicopters, three of which have already been delivered, are manufactured in southwest England. Westland used to be a UK firm and was taken over by Italian defence giant Finmeccanica.

India has already issued a note verbale and met UK Foreign Office officials to get information and assistance in probing the allegations of corruption in the deal. Britain has provided an interim report to the Indian authorities. London says it is waiting for Italy to complete its investigation so that a full-fledged report could be presented to New Delhi.

Ahead of the visit, Cameron has said that he the relationship between Britain and India to be “one of the great partnerships of the 21st century”. He has also urged Indian students to come and study in the UK in a bid to address concerns about tougher visa rules ahead of visiting the country. British ministers have come under fire for tightening the rules on post-study leave to remain in the UK which some businesses and universities believe is deterring people from applying.

British retailers are keen to increase their presence in India and executives from the Tesco supermarket chain, Britain’s biggest retailer which has a joint venture in India, are expected to accompany Cameron.