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Sir James Bevan made the pitch in a speech at Delhi University on 9 January ¨C including the claim that the best Indian food in the world is being served in London.

His comments come against the background of fears that a tougher visa system is driving away foreign students from the country.?

In 2011-12, the number of Indian students studying at UK universities was down by almost a quarter, while concerns have also been raised that the dramatic fall in the value of the rupee last summer will further deter Indians from studying abroad.

¡°Here¡¯s something that will surprise you: visas are not a problem. Really,¡± Sir James told his audience.

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¡°We want the world¡¯s best and brightest, we have set no limit on the numbers of foreign students who can come to Britain. No limit. So if you are a genuine student with a place at a UK university, you will get your visa,¡± he added.

He extolled the cultural attractions of Britain, including James Bond, pop music and the British-designed Grand Theft Auto V, ¡°the world¡¯s best-selling game¡­which I have been known to play myself when I need some violent therapy¡±.

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Sir James added: ¡°Camellia Punjabi, who introduced regional Indian cuisine to the UK, said recently that the best Indian food in the world is now served in London.

¡°We want you. We in the UK want the world¡¯s best and brightest to come and study in our country¡­there¡¯s a global competition for the best and brightest: you students here are in that category. We want you in Britain,¡± he told the students.

david.matthews@tsleducation.com