A cross-party delegation of the UK Members of the Parliament recently visited India, for an interaction session with Indian business leaders. The Confederation of Indian Industry hosted them in the National Capital on February 15.
The delegation comprised of eight Members of the Parliament including Virendra Sharma, Robert John Blackman, Marie Elizabeth Rimmer, Oliver James Dowden, Charlotte Leslie, Edward John Comport Argar, Jonathan Neil Reynolds, and Francis Thomas Baring. Chaired by Salil Singhal, co-chairman, CII Agriculture Council & Chairman, Secure Meters Ltd., the luncheon saw discussions on various topics including a brief on the latest developments in the Indian and UK economies, trends in business, and growing Indian industry footprint in the UK. Views were also exchanged on policy directions of the two countries, particularly after Brexit and the recent Indian Budget recommendations.
Chief Economist, CII, Bidisha Ganguly also gave a presentation on the Indian economy, which was followed by an interaction. In light of the decreasing number of Indian students going to the UK for further studies, members of the Indian industry put forth questions about student visas. The MPs responded saying the restrictions were not on numbers but on the level of the jobs thereafter being in line with the studies. The country currently provides a 4-5 month window for graduates to get the right jobs. The meet ended on a positive note with the MPs reaffirming its commitment to strengthening India-UK bond. They also asserted to boost Indian industry's engagement with the UK Government, Parliament, and Industry.
