New Delhi: Finance Minister Arun Jaitley today left for London to represent the Indian government at a historic reception hosted by Queen Elizabeth II to launch the UK-India Year of Culture 2017. Bilateral talks with Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson and Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond are among the ministerial meetings on Jaitley’s agenda, during which a wide range of issues will be discussed. The extradition of embattled liquor baron, Vijay Mallya, from the UK to India may be among the topics that come up during the discussions. Mr Jaitley will also hold a series of meetings with UK-based investors and CEOs during the five-day visit.

On Sunday the Finance Minister will be the chief guest at a reception organised by the Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, British Council and High Commission of India to celebrate UK India Year of Culture. Mr Jaitley will then attend the market opening ceremony of the London Stock Exchange on February 27 followed by a round-table with investors, issuers of Masala Bonds and tech experts, among others. He will then address CEOs and senior business leaders from the India-UK sphere at an event.