London, Mar 2 (PTI) Despite criticism at home, Britain would continue to provide 280 million pounds a year in aid to India over the next four years as the country's poorest regions need help to achieve the Millennium Development Goals, Development Secretary Andrew Mitchell has said.
Following an inquiry ordered by the International Development Secretary, Britain has decided to stop giving aid to 16 countries including China, Russia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Moldova and Serbia but has cited India as a "development paradox".
Mitchell told BBC's Politics Show that in order for the UK to abide by its Millennium Development Goals commitment, "the poorest regions of India would still need help".
With 450 million people living on less than 50 pence a day while millionaires enjoy great wealth, India, he said was a "development paradox"