British Prime Minister Theresa May said the UK would become the ultimate free trade champion as she laid the groundwork on Monday for a potential post-Brexit deal with India, the world's fastest-growing major economy.

In her first bilateral trip outside Europe since taking office in July, May said Britain would not "turn its back on the world" once it has left the European Union but emphasized that new economic relationships had to benefit all sides.

May's visit is an attempt to get the ball rolling for a future trade deal between the countries, although nothing can be signed until Britain leaves the EU - most likely in 2019.