Editor′s Note

The Year 2017 had been ear-marked as UK India Year of Culture by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his tour of Britain in November 2015. That announcement became a reality when Indian Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Arun Jaitley, represented the Government of India at a historic reception in Buckingham Palace in London recently. While the year is set to be packed with an array of cultural events, both in India and the UK, the key message amid all the glitz and glamour is a familiar one: that India is crucial to the British economy, which is on the brink of breaking away from the European Union (EU). In a series of interactions during his London visit, including an exclusive conversation on the sidelines of his packed schedule, the senior Indian Cabinet minister told 'India Investment Journal' that India remains one of the brightest spots amid considerable global uncertainty. In a clear snub to some of the increasingly anti-immigration rhetoric in the West, he was categorical that India would continue with its reform agenda as the least protectionist economy of today. Britain, therefore, also forms a broader coverage theme of our journal this time. As part of an exclusive interview with the country's International Development Minister, Priti Patel, we explore the role of the private sector to promote the growth agenda in both countries; there is a special feature on how the UK continues to hold on to its position as the largest G20 investor into India; and a feature on how India is gradually becoming a growing market for British cars. Our Big Story this time is also linked with the dynamic Indian minister on the cover and his historic Budget for 2017-18, which has set the tone for India's growth ambitions for the coming year. There is also an accompanying in-depth analysis on how schemes like Jan Dhan Yojana and demonetisation are empowering ordinary Indians. And, within the context of a strong emphasis on infrastructure building in the Budget, the sectoral theme of this edition revolves around defence and aerospace, which is taking baby steps in the world of aircraft, missile and radar development. A PwC India expert talks through how Make in India is transforming this sector and we zero in on the mega Aero India 2017 in Bengaluru, where some crucial deals were clinched recently. The State Focus for this edition of 'IIJ' is on Rajasthan and its resurgence as an important investment destination in India. An 'Expat's Guide to Jaipur' offers a broad fact-sheet on the state's capital city. Among some of our regulars, Yoga Corner this time delves into the ancient Indian punishment of pulling ears to increase brain awareness and Realty Corner digs into the aftermath of the Annual Budget presented in February on the property market in India. Please read on to explore all these features and much more.

Aditi Khanna is the Senior Editor of India Inc.