Indian summer

This short-sightedness is mistaken. In many respects, this is one of the most important overseas trips to be undertaken by Mr Cameron during his premiership because of India’s status as one of the world’s great emerging economies. After all, Tetley Tea – an iconic Yorkshire brand – is owned by Indian business giant Tata. “You don’t get any more British than Tetley Tea,” remarked the Tory leader as he used this analogy to highlight the growing financial influence of his hosts.

The Prime Minister’s pragmatism was best illustrated by plans to create a new “same-day” visa service for Indian businessmen wishing to visit the UK – such an approach contrasts with the Tory party’s hardline stance on immigration.

But he knows that such entrepreneurs will simply take their business elsewhere, despite the historic and cultural bond between the two countries, unless steps are put in place to harness India’s potential. The latest export figures are a case in point. The sale of UK produce to Brazil, India, China, Russia and South Africa – the so-called BRICS – jumped from £12.7bn in 2007, the last full year before the recession struck, to £27.1bn last year.

If this figure can be doubled, it will demonstrate two key points. First, UK taxpayers will have a return on their overseas aid payments. Second, it will mean that there is a glimmer of light for Britain’s finances after years in the shadow of countries like India which now shape the global economy. As such, Mr Cameron’s visit could not be more timely – or important.