India Global Forum London (IGF London) UK-India Week, held from 16 to 20 June, highlights the story of contemporary India — a nation driving rapid change and growth that creates opportunities for the world. IGF acts as a gateway for businesses and countries to engage with this potential.
IGF London 2025 convenes influential leaders, visionary policymakers, and pioneering innovators to shape the next decade of UK-India collaboration across digital trade, sustainable finance, frontier technologies, and inclusive growth. Key figures include former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds, Dame Priti Patel, among many others.
On the opening day of India Global Forum London, Indian Commerce & Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds jointly defended the recently finalised India-UK Free Trade Agreement, pushing back against criticism of national insurance exemptions for short-term Indian workers.
In a rare joint session at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre, both leaders addressed concerns over the provision, which has drawn scrutiny from sections of the British media and political circles.
Goyal dismissed claims that the exemption was a one-sided concession: “It’s unfair to call it a giveaway. The agreement offers stability for businesses and benefits workers on both sides. Similar arrangements exist in many countries — this is a win-win for mobility and trade.”
He further stressed: “Workers should not face double taxation, as they already pay social security costs in both the UK and India.”
UK Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds defended the provision, stating that British workers would not be negatively impacted. “No British worker is undercut by this UK–India FTA,” he said. “Business mobility has improved, enhancing access to services and procurement.”
Both leaders highlighted the strategic alignment between the two nations. Reynolds noted: “India is one of the most exciting and important countries globally, we can’t tackle today’s challenges without India playing a leading role.”
This joint appearance, their first since the FTA’s conclusion, underscored strong bilateral commitment. Goyal remarked: “India and the UK complement each other. This is a good partnership, I see bilateral trade doubling over the next five years.”
Reynolds echoed this optimism: “I am genuinely excited by the future opportunities for both countries.”
Dame Priti Patel, Shadow Foreign Secretary for the Conservative Party, stressed the need for the UK to adapt its foreign policy to an increasingly volatile global landscape. Drawing on her experience in government, Patel called for a future-focused, alliance-driven approach, underpinned by strong and decisive leadership.
New tracker launched at IGF London
The 12th edition of the Grant Thornton India Meets Britain Tracker was launched by Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal at IGF London, following the landmark UK–India Free Trade Agreement and a record year for Indian business presence in the UK.
Produced with India Global Forum and the Confederation of Indian Industry, the 2025 report identifies 1,197 Indian-owned companies in the UK — a 23% rise from last year and the largest annual increase since tracking began in 2017.
The new FTA is expected to boost UK GDP by £4.8 billion and wages by £2.2 billion annually, reinforcing the economic strength of the UK–India corridor.
Technology, Media, and Telecom leads with 31% of companies, followed by Pharmaceuticals and Chemicals (22%), and Financial Services (10%). London remains the top hub, hosting 47% of the 74 fastest-growing companies, followed by the South of England (24.3%), Midlands and North (9.5% each).
Anuj Chande, Partner and Head of South Asia Business Group at Grant Thornton UK, noted: “The surge in Indian businesses reflects growing investor confidence and the opportunities unlocked by stronger bilateral ties. The FTA will further accelerate this momentum, and this report clearly maps where that growth is taking shape.”
Mullick’s ‘The Way Home’ wins prize
Dr Shalini Mullick was announced as the inaugural winner of the IGF Archer Amish Award for Storytellers, presented in partnership with The House of Abhinandan Lodha, during a special ceremony on Day 1 of IGF London at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre.
Her acclaimed novel The Way Home was recognised for its moving exploration of grief, identity, and healing, following three millennials who find refuge in Goa and strength through friendship and self-discovery.
Rt Hon Lisa Nandy, UK Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, who attended the event and presented the award, emphasised its wider cultural impact: “People-to-people connections are vital. As the world becomes more fractured, there is an urgent need for leadership that bridges divides — something both Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Keir Starmer have committed to.” She also spoke with journalists about strengthening cultural and creative ties with India. (See page 17 for an exclusive interview with Lisa Nandy in Asian Voice).
Dr Mullick received a $25,000 cash prize, one of the largest global awards for fiction.
Launched at IGF London 2024, the IGF Archer Amish Award for Storytellers is the first major honour celebrating contemporary Indian fiction that captures the complexity and dynamism of modern India. Created with bestselling authors Lord Jeffrey Archer and Amish Tripathi.
UK–India forum showcases future tech collaboration
The UK–India Future Frontiers Forum, hosted in partnership with the Science Museum, spotlighted cutting-edge collaborations in AI, quantum, health, space, and clean energy.
UK Minister for Science, Research and Innovation, Lord Patrick Vallance, called for deeper collaboration, urging both nations to align innovation priorities. “The upcoming industrial strategy will outline eight key sectors — a strong foundation for partnerships,” he said, while emphasising the need for stronger scientist-to-scientist links and greater start-up collaboration.
Opening the forum, Science Museum Director; Sir Ian Blatchford welcomed the UK–India Science and Innovation Partnership Roadmap, highlighting $170 million in joint funding and Imperial College’s new Bengaluru hub driving AI, healthtech, cleantech, and advanced materials.
India’s Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal underscored the FTA’s role in boosting innovation: “It’s about friendship and mutual benefit. Innovation in India delivers global impact at a fraction of the cost.”
Former UK Deputy PM Sir Oliver Dowden reinforced shared values, adding: “India and the UK must lead on global standards in 6G, quantum, and more.”
Health innovation was a key focus, as Lord Ara Darzi, Alisha Moopen (Aster DM Healthcare), and Monica Huang (Zydus Lifesciences) explored how India’s tech-driven health models could support NHS reform. “India’s solutions offer real opportunity,” said Lord Darzi.
A forum highlight was the return of Pitchers and Punters, showcasing Indian start-ups to global investors. Standouts included Zypp Electric (winner of the Clean Tech Award), Lina Energy, Steamology Motion Ltd, and Electric Miles.
Earlier, former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak joined a special discussion on how tech and innovation can further strengthen UK–India ties.
Culture forum charts new frontiers
In a post-FTA world, the 4th London Edition of IGF’s Culture & Creativity Forum explored how cultural exchange goes beyond art or soft power — serving as a dynamic force for innovation, identity, and social impact.
Bestselling author Amish Tripathi and Nicolas Granatino unveiled The Age of Bhaarat — an Indian myth-based video game set to bring Indian storytelling to global screens, tapping into the rising trend of game-first IPs. The forum also featured discussions on What’s Next for Film and TV in India-UK, the evolving cultural equation, and more.
In a fireside chat, ISKCON monk Gauranga Das urged global leaders to rethink progress through Dharma, cultural wisdom, and inner balance. “Indians drive global economic impact — but can also transform Dharma,” he said, defining it as sammaan (respect), while highlighting the crisis of digital addiction and mental health. “Globally, 230 million are addicted to social media; in Bharat, 70% of teens spend seven hours online daily.”
Reflecting on his journey from IIT Bombay to spiritual life, he quipped to Sundar Pichai: “You deal with Google, which creates stress. I deal with God, who releases stress.” He also highlighted the global impact of the Indian diaspora, noting Indian CEOs now lead 22 US Fortune 500 companies, employing 1.7 million people.
A special highlight was an exclusive fireside chat with maestro AR Rahman, exploring the sound of a changing world — from Bollywood to Hollywood, tradition to technology — and the power of music, memory, and culture in shaping the future.
