The first ever UK-India Week was launched in London on Monday with a message that a post-Brexit bilateral trade partnership has the potential to shape the global economy.
Britain’s Secretary of State for international trade Liam Fox, who was the Chief Guest described India as “foremost” among the UK’s allies and trading partners and hailed reforms initiated by the Indian government. He is set to visit India later this year for the next UK-India Joint Economic Trade Committee (JETCO).
The Minister giving a speech at the launch event in London's Taj Hotel said, “India and the UK are, in PM Modi’s own words, an 'unbeatable combination'.
“We are here to look to the future and lay out our ambitions for a trading partnership that has the potential to shape the global economy...
“In particular, as we leave the European Union (EU), there is the opportunity for both countries to enhance this partnership – opening up new sectors for business and minimising barriers to trade...
“Your ideas today can become our policy tomorrow so take this chance to let us know what you believe the challenges and opportunities to be.
“And by working together to meet these challenges, as governments, as business communities, and as people, we can build a brighter, more prosperous future for India, the UK and the world.”
The launch event was marked by the release of the second edition of the ‘100 Most Influential in UK-India Relations’ – covering leading figures across business, politics, arts and culture who are seen as making a significant contribution towards enhancing the UK-India relationship.
Matt Hancock, UK Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport, Indian minister of communication Manoj Sinha and the Indian High Commissioner to the UK, HE Y.K. Sinha, were among the other prominent guests at the event.
Closing on Friday with the UK-India Awards 2018, that will be attended by Guest of Honour, the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan and Foreign Minister Rt. Hon Mark Field MP, UK-India Week will feature high-level discussions and engagements.
The Conclave
Taking place 20-21 June, the fifth annual UK-India Leadership Conclave will be a landmark event, hosting senior Indian political and business figures – including the Presidents of the Confederation of Indian Industries and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry – to address the prospects for post-Brexit partnership opportunities and assess the future opportunities to invest in the UK. Over 200 delegates will attend from both nations.
Yashvardhan Sinha, His Excellency the Indian High Commissioner to the UK, opened the first day of the UK-India Leadership Conclave, for a packed agenda that will also see Dr Rajiv Kumar,celebrated economist, author, and Vice Chairman of the Niti Ayog (National Institution for Transforming India), discuss the current trajectory of the Indian economy.
The Conclave, convened by India Inc., will play host to Indian political dignitaries including Vijay Chauthaiwale, In Charge of Foreign Affairs for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party; Dr Swapan Dasgupta, Member of Indian Parliament and, joining via video link for the Global Investors Forum, Piyush Goyal MP, Minister for Finance, Railways & Coal.
Taking place at the De Vere Latimer Estate in Buckinghamshire, the UK-India Leadership Conclave will seek to identify ways to grow and transform the strategic partnership between ‘Brexit Britain and Global India’.
Josh Hardie, Deputy Director General Confederation of British Industry (CBI) will speak alongside counterparts from the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI).
Different Sessions
Alongside the Global Investors Forum, an eclectic range of sessions will take place, including:
- ‘Opportunities for collaboration in technology and innovation’ and ‘Building smarter, safer cities’, hosted by FICCI
- The untapped potential of the UK and India’s soft power, hosted by award winning Indian actor, businessman and philanthropist Vivek Oberoi
- The Future of Energy & Climate Change Cooperation, hosted by Hon Barry Gardiner MP, supported by Hero Future Energies
- Debating values, democracies and corruption with Lord Jonathan Marland, Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council Chairman and former UK Trade Envoy
- The Future of Mobility and India’s aspirations to be a global hub for electric vehicles’, hosted by OLA Cabs
- A Young Leaders Forum to be hosted by Infosys
- A social impact roundtable bringing together UK companies, family offices and large Indian charitable trusts engaged in India, hosted by the British Asian Trust.
Manoj Ladwa, Founder of UK-India Week and India Inc said: “Brexit is an opportunity to forge a new, global identity for Britain, while India – the fastest- growing major economy in the world, a rapidly emerging nation finds itself at a strategic apex, ready to take its place among the world’s top economic powers: Global Britain meets Global India.
“UK-India Week celebrates the strong partnership between the UK and India and is a catalyst for promoting opportunities for future collaboration. There is a huge opportunity for these two great countries – now equals on the world stage - to harness their shared values, trade, technology and talent to enhance prosperity at home and around the world.”
Alongside hard hitting political and economic debate, the Conclave will celebrate the cultural ties between the UK and India, with an early morning yoga session in a celebration of International Yoga Day, along with fusion jazz and food.
Bollywood Star and Technology Icon to launch the UK's first "35 under 35"
Bollywood star Vivek Oberoi and former Facebook India Boss, Umag Bedi will inaugurate the first ever India Inc. UK-India Young Leaders Forum sponsored by Infosys on Thursday 21 June at the De Vere, Latimer Estate in Buckinghamshire as part of the UK- India Leadership conclave during the India Inc. UK-India Week 2018.
The Young Leaders Forum will bring together "35 under 35" of the most dynamic and innovative entrepreneurs, City professionals and public service leaders who have been identified as playing an instrumental role in developing UK and India relations.
The theme for the Young Leaders Forum is #PositiveBritain meets #PositiveIndia and the Forum will be used to launch the UK-India Young Leaders 2025 Vision Document which will be presented to key Westminster and New Delhi Government departments. During the Forum, Delegates will present their ideas from their respective industry of expertise as to how best the millennial generation can spearhead a stronger post Brexit relationship between the two countries. The Forum will be sponsored by global technology consulting firm Infosys.
Pranav Bhanot, Co convenor of the UK-India Young Leaders Forum said “A task of setting the Young Leader 2025 vision for UK and India requires a mix of talent and we are pleased that the Forum is made up of a diverse group of dynamic, innovative entrepreneurs and sociopreneurs to kick start the UK-India Young Leaders 2025 Vision document. The task of constructing a closer relationship between the world’s oldest democracy with the world’s largest democracy not only requires trade deals and diplomatic pleasantries but requires the next generation of leaders from both countries to be empowered and enthused to continue developing the relationship”. We hope the Forum will provide a powerful starting point”.
Manoj Ladwa, Founder and CEO of India Inc said “Youth is a great strength of the UK-India partnership. UK-India Week celebrates young perspectives on technological transformation, global connectivity and the growing demand for new skills. The India Inc. Young Leaders Forum provides a platform for the young leaders taking an optimistic approach, forging global ties to tackle the great challenges of our time.”
“The winning partnership between the UK and India has many unbeatable opportunities for India’s predominantly young demographic to forge global ties and transform global industries. Young people in the UK too are adamant that they will not let Brexit will not force globalisation into retreat but they will turn it into a catalyst for greater bilateral ties. Now is our chance to recognise these opportunities.”
