The London-Bengaluru synergy

Bengaluru: A meeting at the brand new five star facility just outside the Kempegowda International Hotel between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and visiting UK premier Theresa May on Tuesday, skirted the visa pothole and drove straight over to the heart of what could be the foundation for a new connect - the start-up revolution.

The British premier suggested Karnataka set up a nodal agency to handle Small and medium industries. While inquiring into how Bengaluru became the start-up capital of the country, she said Great Britain and Karnataka should be partners, and take forward the start-up eco-system. 

Mr Siddaramaiah while welcoming Ms May raised the visa issue. "Under the new visa rules announced by the UK Home Office, anyone applying after November 24 under the Tier 2 intra-company transfer (ICT) category would be required to meet a higher salary threshold of 30,000 pounds from the earlier 20,800 pounds. I request you to review the new policy so that the earlier threshold is continued," Mr Siddaramaiah said.

Mr Siddaramaiah recalled the partnership between UK and Karnataka and and said 15 per cent of the UK companies that operate in India, are in Bengaluru with an employment of 23,000.

He said in partnership with UK government, a health city was being developed at a sprawling 400-acre campus at Dharwad. Mr Siddaramaiah said the IT and BT and tourism minister, Priyank Kharge who would be visiting UK soon, would work towards strengthening the ties.

Later in the afternoon, British delegation continued talks IT and BT minister, Priyank Kharge. Later Mr Kharge told DC that the two sides, zeroed in on two areas where partnership would take place.

"Both UK and Karnataka would partner in promoting incubation centres for start-ups. Similarly, we agreed to the skill and knowledge transfer. I am leaving for UK on Tuesday night to take part in tourism related event where we will continue talks on ITand other trade-related issues," he said.