Blair resigns, Gordon Brown is new British PM

June 27, 2007

James Gordon Brown, a self-proclaimed admirer of India, on Wednesday took over as prime minister of Britain amid expectations that relations between New Delhi and London [Images] would develop further.

The 56-year-old Labour party leader was sworn in by Queen Elizabeth at Buckingham Palace shortly after Blair stepped down after holding the top post for 10 years.

Brown, chancellor of Exchequer, took over as leader of the Labour party on Sunday from Blair who stepped down in the backdrop of decline in his popularity for joining the US-led campaign in Iraq.

This is the first time that a changeover has occurred without a general election.

Blair, 54, became the prime minister in 1997 bringing to an end the 18-year-old rule of the Conservative party, after the Labour emerged victorious with the biggest majority.

Son of a preacher of Scotland, Brown rose from an academic to become the prime minister, capping his 24-year political career.

A respected politician, Brown has special interest in strengthening and deepening relations with a "pulsating, dynamic India" and has recently talked of according high priority to ties with New Delhi.

Just before demitting office, Blair addressed the House of Commons and defended his decision to send British troops to Iraq and Afghanistan.

"I am truly sorry about the dangers they (British troops) face today in Afghanistan and Iraq," he said.

"I know some people, they think, they (troops) face these dangers in vain. I don't and I never will," Blair said adding, "I believe they are fighting for the security of this country and wider world against people who would destroy our way of life."

The decision to send British troops to Iraq is widely believed to have cost Blair his prime ministership.

With the change of guard in 10, Downing Street, the warm and friendly relationship between India and the UK is expected to remain untouched and rather develop further.

Indicating his inclination to take the relationship further, Brown recently told PTI, "There is so much that impresses one about India, particularly its vibrant democracy."

He recalled that he had been brought up on stories of India's great history, its struggles, achievements and "essential greatness."

During his visit to New Delhi in January, Brown repeatedly emphasised that India and Britain together with their shared history, culture and common values of understanding and tolerance, can work in unison to "play a critical role as partners in addressing the great challenges of our times."

Brown strongly supports India's bid for a permanent seat, "with others," on an expanded UN Security Council.

On terrorism, Brown has pledged to work with India in a coherent global front to "stand full square against all terrorism and murderous extremists who practice it."

He also has great fascination for Indian food.

Brown and his wife Sarah love Indian food with chicken tikka, naan and rice being their favourites, according to NRI industrialist Lord Swaraj Paul [Images], a close friend of the family.

Once in a while, he tops his meals with gulab jamun and badam burfi.