London [Images] Mayor Ken Livingstone has described India as one of the world's greatest cultures and said he is looking forward to his forthcoming visit to India next month.

After a meeting with India's External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Wednesday, the Mayor said: "India is an emerging economic superpower and one of the world's greatest cultures. The importance of London's relations with India is already great and is only going to grow further. That is why London was proud to stage India Now, a three-month celebration of India in the summer."

"I am looking forward to my forthcoming visit to India and opening London offices in Mumbai and Delhi. These will further strengthen our ties in business, society and culture."

During the meeting with the external affairs minister, the mayor welcomed the further strengthening of London's ties with India.

The Mayor stressed the importance of London's links with India in all spheres and the contribution made by the Indian community to London in both business and culture.

The mayor told Mukherjee that joint economic benefits from close relationship between London and India would be part of the focus of his visit to India.