The Conservative Friends of India - the largest affiliate group of the Conservative Party - was back with a bang at Conservative Party Conference in Manchester. Co-Chairs of CF India Cllr Reena Ranger OBE and Cllr Ameet Jogia working to further develop and strengthen the Party’s engagement with the 1.7 million British Indian community, jointly hosted with the Indian High Commission the spectacular Conference Reception after two years.
The reception was completely sold out and attended by Chancellor of the Exchequer Rt Hon Rishi Sunak MP, Health Secretary Rt Hon Sajid Javid MP , International Trade Secretary Rt Hon Anne Marie Treyelan MP, Education Secretary Rt Hon Nadhim Zawahi MP, Transport Secretary Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP and Northern Ireland Secretary Rt Hon Brandon Lewis MP . Also speaking were long-standing supporters and Parliamentary Vice Chairs Padma Shri award winner Bob Blackman MP, Minister for London Paul Scully MP and Rt Hon Theresa Villiers MP and CF India Patron Lord Rami Ranger. London’s popular former Mayoral candidate Shaun Bailey also enthused the crowds, along with the newly elected Member of Scottish Parliament Pam Gosal - Scotland’s first female Asian MP.
Speaking at the reception Her Excellency Gaitri Issar Kumar, paid tribute to the “Living Bridge” that is the British Indian diaspora and the work they do in fostering great relations between the UK and India.
Rt Hon Rishi Sunak said, “I love Conservative Friends of India, this is my home and I wouldn’t be here without your support.” Rishi also paid tribute to the Indian High Commissioner and the commitment to strengthen trade relations with India.
Co-Chairs Ameet Jogia and Reena Ranger said it was fantastic to be back with an in person, “we look forward to restarting our events and engaging with more Conservative Parliamentarians and our members. The vote of thanks was delivered by CF India Director Nayaz Qazi who paid tribute to the CF India members, Parliamentary support and to the Co-Chairs Reena Ranger and Ameet Jogia.
CF India hosted a stall at Conference and signed up record members, as well as hosting a roundtable dinner with Trade Minister Ranil Jayawardena MP, who has been at the forefront of developing the road map of a Free Trade Agreement between Britain and the UK.
