The UK-India partnership will strengthen further with the opening
of two new Indian consulates in Belfast and Manchester, boosting
regional economic ties and delivering on the growth agenda.
It comes as the UK welcomes Indian investment
deals worth more than £100 million, which is creating jobs,
strengthening growth, and helping working people by putting more
money in their pockets.
Before opening the consulates, Indian External Affairs Minister
Dr S. Jaishankar will meet with Foreign Secretary at Chevening
House.
At Chevening, the Foreign Ministers will drive forward the
UK-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This will focus on
fostering mutual economic growth, technological innovation, and
collaboration on global challenges including climate change. They
will also discuss Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine, the Middle
East and other global affairs.
Foreign Secretary,
said:
“One of my first visits as Foreign Secretary was to India
because deepening our partnership for our shared growth and
security is a key part of this government's Plan for
Change.
“Dr Jaishankar and I are supercharging our
£41 billion trading relationship with India, after trade talks
were relaunched in Delhi. It is the floor, not the
ceiling of our ambitions that will benefit both our
economies.
"The opening of new Indian consulates in Belfast and
Manchester demonstrate the growing links between our peoples and
how we are working together to deliver growth not only in London,
but right across the UK. This expansion of India's diplomatic
presence will further boost our trading relationship and support
the valued Indian community in the
UK."
Ministers are also set to discuss the Technology Security
Initiative, launched during the Foreign Secretary's visit to
Delhi in July 2024. They will touch on the opportunities for
citizens in both countries that will come from closer
collaboration in sectors such as Artificial Intelligence,
telecoms and critical minerals. Opportunities include more
effective and affordable healthcare and more resilient supply
chains, as well as greater innovation, investment and job
creation.
And the visit will highlight the living bridge between the UK and
India, including a special reception with Chevening scholars at
Chevening House, celebrating India's position as home to the
world's largest Chevening programme.
Notes to editors:
- Chevening is the UK Government's flagship international
scholarships and fellowships programme. It offers fully funded
scholarships (including tuition, travel and living expenses) for
a one-year postgraduate course in the UK.
- It also offers short term fellowships to mid-career
professionals in cyber security, science & and innovation,
journalism and leadership & and excellence.
- It is mandatory for scholars and fellows to return to their
home country upon completion of their course.
- The Chevening programme in India is the largest in the world,
benefiting over 3,900 scholars and fellows since 1983. Over 40%
of Chevening scholars in India come from outside metro cities,
are first generation learners, and belong to lesser privileged
groups.
