First Minister Rt Hon Mark Drakeford and Minister for Health and Social Services Eluned Morgan launched a year-long initiative simultaneously in London’s Indian High Commission and in Mumbai respectively, on 29 February 2024.
Wales In India is a series of events for 12 months, celebrating the links between the two countries, especially across art and culture, education, health, business and human rights.
The First Minister highlighted about a Welsh delegation heading to India in May 2024 for Indo-Welsh Conclave, as Minister Eluned Morgan led a Welsh delegation to India, visiting Maharashtra and Kerala last week. The key focus for this Ministerial visit was reportedly progressive policies on LGBTQ+ rights and combatting gender-based violence.
Wales is already working closely with the government of the Maharashtra state in India. The Health Minister met Tata Steel’s global Chief Executive TV Narendran in Mumbai and also signed an agreement with the Government of Kerala to bring qualified healthcare professionals from India to work in NHS Wales.
Panel discussion at India House
The event at the India House kickstarted with a panel discussion moderated by Alpesh Patel OBE, as some key areas of cooperation such as technology, cyber security, aviation, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, football etc were highlighted. Panellists included, Prof. Jas Pal Badyal FRS, Chief Scientific Adviser for Wales, Prof. Paul Boyle, Vice Chancellor, Swansea University & Chair of Universities Wales Research & Innovation Network, Santosh Singh, Head of Business, Wockhardt UK and Dr Andy Sellars, CSA Catapult & Member of UK Semiconductor Advisory Panel.
Saluting the contribution made by Indians at the event, the First Minister said, “We have so many remarkable connections with India and the many Indian communities living in Wales. Throughout this year of Wales in India, we will deepen our mutual appreciation and understanding, showcasing our deep-rooted partnerships and forging new connections.
"The series of events and visits we have planned have been designed to not only grow trade and investment, but to strengthen our cultural, academic, artistic and sporting connections, and to advance our healthcare and wellbeing ambitions.
"Wales in India really is a celebration of two nations of culture and innovation and I look forward to seeing the positive impacts this rich programme will have in 2024 and beyond."
HE Vikram Doraiswami, the Indian High commissioner to the UK said, “We celebrate this partnership as an opportunity to showcase what we can do for each other and what Wales can benefit from the rise of the Indian economy, and how India can benefit from Wales.
“Welsh businesses can sell everything Wales makes from wool to whisky and everything in between…But it isn't just about business. It's also about people. The Welsh have been hugely hospitable hosts to an Indian community in all its colour and all its dimensions.”
