Intensive courses, developed by the LDA and UK Trade & Investment (UKTI), allow companies who are currently doing business with, or have identified opportunities in, India to capitalise on one of the world’s fastest growing markets.

The India Marketing Scholarship Programme educates firms about the nation’s business culture and brings in experts from the country to offer specialised advice.

Boris Johnson, the London mayor, says that although the UK is going through an economic downturn, SMBs need to prepare their marketing strategy for the eventual upswing.

He adds: ‘It is therefore crucial that London businesses that are looking to trade with India develop their knowledge of this important business centre.’

The new initiative builds on a similar scheme which encouraged SMBs to expand into US markets.

According to UKTI, India is Britain’s 18th largest export market and its second largest export partner in the developing world, after China.