Alderman Gavyn Arthur, the Lord Mayor of London who is visiting India, said on Monday that more Indians need to explore investment opportunities in the United Kingdom and that his country particularly welcomes lawyers, insurance companies and financial institutions.

Highlighting the growing significance of London as the hub of financial activities, Arthur said he was in India to attract investments to double the number of Indian companies in the UK.

"Colour is not what matters but talent does," he said.

There were currently about 441 Indian companies in the UK, of which 338 are in the information and telecommunication sector and 18 are listed at the London Stock Exchange, Arthur said at an 'interactive session' hosted by Confederation of Indian Industry in New Delhi.

Favouring reduction in agricultural export subsidies, Arthur said ongoing WTO negotiations should consider the cause of the developing nations and ensure greater market access for them.

"Immediate and urgent reforms should be initiated in the agricultural export subsidies. This is an important issue," he said.

Congratulating the Indo-British Partnership on completion of 10 years, Arthur expressed the hope that the partnership would further the economic cooperation between the two countries.

Speaking at the session, British High Commissioner Rob Young called for regular visits of government officials and industry leaders of both countries to boost collaboration in diverse sectors.

"If India can be world leaders in IT and software, it can be so in other sectors like manufacturing and services. We know what needs to be done and where," he said.