LONDON – Major parties took strong exception to demands in the UK for stopping aid to India, with opposition BJP saying that the country did not require such help and should give a befitting reply to the “arrogance” of a section of the British political class by refusing it.
But despite demands by ruling Conservative party MPs and others to end it, Britain defended its multi-million pound aid to India saying “now is not the time to quit”.
The clamour to stop British aid reached a high after India last week decided to select the French fighter Rafale over Eurofighter Typhoon, which is partly manufactured in Britain, as its mainstay multi-role combat aircraft.
BJP MP Balbir Punj said, “I am surprised that in India which is seen as a rising economic power, inspite of the misgovernance by the UPA, should take these peanuts from the UK or anywhere else.
“I will call upon the government to stop this aid immediately. That will be a proper and fit reply to the arrogance of those British who think that they can influence the decision-making in India with the help of a few pennies.”
Referring to the decision on Rafale, Union Minister and Congress leader Veerappa Moily said, “Business cannot work on monopolies, but (depends) on competitiveness. Whatever the best quality and whatever the prices, we do business.
