As part of continuous effort to engage with interlocutors to address the economic impact of Covid-19 on Indian businesses in the UK, Mrs Ruchi Ghanashyam, High Commissioner of India to UK had a video call with the Rt Hon Lord Mayor Mr William Russell (Alderman), City of London.
City of London has partnered with the High Commission in a number of events on green financing, sustainability and investment. The Guild Hall and other venues of the City of London are utilised by the High Commission to hosts its prestigious events. While the High Commission has reached out to Indian businesses in the UK to understand their challenges, City of London continues to take a number of steps to support FinTech and banking sector affected by the Covid-19. It was decided that a webinar will be organised jointly by HCI and City of London to engage with Indian companies in the FinTech sector, in furtherance of the existing cooperation and future cooperation.
India’s potential in innovation and startups is well recognised by the City of London and everywhere in the UK. Accordingly, a strong collaboration has emerged between with Indian companies and City of London in FinTech sector, among others. In that direction, the City of London mounts a delegation to India every year which is facilitated by the High Commission. However, due to the current situation Lord Mayor has to postpone his visit to India. He has given a video message conveying a desire to take up the visit at the earliest opportunity, which will surely materialise as he has got an extension for one year as the Lord Mayor. It is important to note that City of London is one of the Associate Partners in the flagship Access India Program of the High Commission.
Earlier, High Commissioner had a detailed telephone call with Lord Karan Bilimoria, President designate of CBI to discuss possible cooperation between the industries of both the countries, including in the field of research on Covid-19. Lord Bilimoria was also a keynote speaker at a webinar organised by the High Commission to discuss financial package announced by the UK Government.
In this unprecedented situation, India has stood by the world to provide all possible humanitarian assistance, including medicines and surgical equipment. A large quantity of Paracetamol supplied to the UK has been well appreciated. Similarly, Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy (AYUSH) has become much more essential in the current situation to develop immunity and resistance against contagious diseases. This message has been well received across the globe.
Pursuant to the lockdown directed by the UK Government due to Covid-19, High Commission officials continue to work tirelessly, using technology. High Commissioner herself has addressed Indian businesses through a number of webinars; reviewed the issues faced by stranded Indians in the UK and directed HCI officers to reach out to those in need of support. Concerned officers have engaged with Indian students, professionals, businesses and community members through webinars and video conferences. In order to respond to queries of stranded Indians in the UK, two emergency emails and mobile numbers are operated by senior officers of the HCI. A large number of calls and emails are answered daily.
On the bilateral front, the High Commission has been in touch with Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), Home Office, Department of International Trade (DIT) and other organisations regularly on issues of mutual interest.
