07:10 GMT, September 14, 2009 In an attempt to explore greater ties in defence and aero-space technology between the two countries, according to DD India, Britain's Trade, Investment and Business Minister will undertake a four-day visit to India from Monday.

On the eve of his visit, Davies said "UK and India stand shoulder-to-shoulder in this new millennium and will explore all avenues to have greater tie-ups in defence technology and aero-space."

During his trip, Lord Mervyn Davies, will visit Nagpur, an emerging new aerospace hub, Mumbai and Delhi.

Davies will visit Nagpur to support a delegation of British businesses led by the UK India Business Council, headed by former minister Patricia Hewitt.

The delegation will include chiefs of companies from urban infrastructure, town planning, mining, energy, legal, financial, construction, water, power, education and brand marketing sectors.

BAE, Britain's leading aerospace, company is already providing HAWK technology to India under its 1 billion pounds deal signed a few years ago.

India is the second largest investor in the UK, next only to the US.

The bilateral trade last year crossed 12 billion pounds and Indian companies, numbering over 75 created about 4,000 jobs in the UK.