Mars Chang

Mars Chang

Closer collaboration between the UK and India could kick-start moves to a low-carbon economy, says a report by business leaders in the two countries.

Retailers Marks and Spencer, wind energy giant Suzlon, and HSBC Bank are among the companies contributing to a report making the case for closer ties.

Among other things, they argue for more UK investment in clean energy in India.

Prime Minister David Cameron said the collaboration could "deliver jobs, growth and environmental protection".

The UK government sees such bilateral collaborations as potentially improving prospects for a new deal within the UN climate negotiations, the latest round of which gets underway in just under a fortnight in Cancun, Mexico.

The report - UK-India Collaboration for a Prosperous Low Carbon Economy - was launched on Monday at the UK's Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign Secretary William Hague said the two nations were "natural partners", with common interests in tackling terrorism, poverty and climate change.

"We strongly welcome today's report, [which is] an important milestone in co-operation between the UK and India on low-carbon business opportunities that will drive the economies of tomorrow," he told reporters.

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