Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday addressed the issue of rising intolerance in India, saying that the country and its culture does not accept anything that is against basic social values. Modi was asked about intolerance in India by a British journalist during a joint press conference with United Kingdom Prime Minister David Cameron in London. Modi said, "India does not accept intolerance even if it is one or two or three incidents. For a country of 1.25 billion people, whether it is significant or not, it does not matter. For us every incident is serious. We do not tolerate it."

Modi said that India is a vibrant democracy and is the land of Gandhi and Buddha, adding that the country's Constitution protects the freedom and thoughts of every individual. Regarding the recent incidents of intolerance, he said that the law will take its course and stringent action will be taken.

Modi, who is on a three-day visit to the UK with a focus on trade and investment, announced that British and Indian companies have signed new deals worth 9 billion pounds and the two countries have also reached a civil nuclear agreement. Noting that the UK is already a leading investor in India, the prime minister added, “We will launch a fast-track mechanism for UK investments in India.”

British Prime Minister David Cameron said that the UK fully supports India's bid for permanent membership to the United Nations Security Council. He added that Britain wants to become India’s number one partner for inward investment. The UK will also help India build three smart cities and have British companies take part in Modi’s flagship Make in India initiative, he said. The two premiers also revealed they discussed climate change during their dialogue.