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Little Ben Big Ben

A 54-feet replica of the original clock tower of London was erected in New Delhi to commemorate a joint effort by the two big cities to further culture, tourism and business ties on November 19, 2007. Giving a touch of Westminister feel to Connaught Circus in Delhi is the Big Ben that has many Delhi citizens flocking for a glimpse of the tall clock made in India replicating the original clock erected in 1858 in London. Chuckles Kamal Batra, a shop owner at Connaught Place, "There is a piece of London in Delhi now".

Tourism and cultural businesses are set to get a fillip with the new agreement signed between London mayor Ken Livingstone and New Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit. To mark this, a London-India office has been especially set up to work together on joining hands to boost and share expertise on areas of economic affairs, environment, education, sports and tourism. The mayor opened this new office to mark "London-India:Partners in Globalisation" at a week-long visit in India. Special focus will include sharing of knowledge and ideas on tackling big city woes including, civic amenities, traffic and security, besides the hosting of international events.

London mayor Ken Livingston had much to say about the rise of Indian visitors to Britain. He said: “In 2006 visitors to London from India spent more than those from Japan for the first time". Last year 230,000 Indians visited London and spent £152 million, making them the biggest spenders from the Asian market. Flight numbers too have increased by 38% in the last six years and with some 130 flights a week from India to London, this remains Britain's busiest travel sector.

The Mayor remarked that after the Commonwealth Games Delhi would be able to bid for even hosting the Olympics games in future. A spokesperson for the project said that, "This is an important step in furthering culture and tourist relations between the two nations". The Big Clock is keeping watch.