Nick Clegg has hailed India's fast-growing prowess in the aerospace and hi-tech sectors on the final leg of a three-day UK trade mission to boost links between the two nations.

The Deputy Prime Minister opened a new Tech Hub and UK India Business Centre during a visit to the country's hi-tech capital Bangalore.

The Lib Dem leader, who is travelling with a 40-strong business delegation, is spearheading the first UK trade mission to the country since the new Indian government was elected in May.

The Business Centre is the second to open in India, after Delhi, and provides support to UK businesses who wish to grow there, while the Tech Hub aims to assist 1,000 Bangalore start-ups in three years and link them with the UK.

Mr Clegg said: "India is at a major crossroads in its economic destiny, and Bangalore is a shining example of how technological expertise can be harnessed to create a powerhouse for growth. This city is among the top 10 preferred locations for entrepreneurs in the world, and home to more start-ups than any other city in India.

"What I see in Bangalore is that India's prowess in aerospace and hi-tech is growing fast. This is fertile ground for UK and Indian firms to do business, and that's been proven by the deals done today by UK companies setting up shop here in India."

While in Bangalore, Mr Clegg visited the Airbus India facility and will see the Hawk manufacturing facility at the aircraft division of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.

Senior Government figures have made a series of trips to India since the coalition came to power in 2010 in an effort to create a new "special relationship" and strengthen trade with the emerging economic powerhouse.

Chancellor George Osborne and then foreign secretary William Hague visited in July, while David Cameron has made three trips to India as Prime Minister.