The Secretary of State for International Development, Rt Hon Priti Patel MP, was recognised at this year’s Golden Peacock Awards for her efforts in strengthening UK-India relations. The Golden Peacock Awards were established in 1991 by the Institute of Directors. The prestigious award bagged by Ms. Priti Patel honours individuals who have made outstanding contributions to strengthen the relationship between the two countries in public, business, cultural and social spheres. UK’s partnership with India has been long-standing and strong. Currently, Indian investment in the UK is more than in the rest of the EU combined. More than 800 Indian companies operate in the UK, bringing in £47.5Billion in revenues and providing employment for 110,000 jobs. To promote young workforce through skills training and start-ups, the UK is working together with India, including extensive research collaborations between the scientists of the two countries intro new technologies such as low cost and low carbon energy. Additionally, experts from the UK are working with India to plan new Smart Cities.
Ms Patel was appointed as the first ever UK-India diaspora champion in 2013, ensuring that both countries optimise their opportunities and strengthen their relations. On receiving the award, she expressed her gratitude and spoke of the current and future challenges that we all must be prepared to tackle and make appropriate efforts for. She added, “I am honoured to receive the award. I have had the privilege throughout my career, in my role as an MP, as a Cabinet Minister and as International Development Secretary, to champion the UK Indian diaspora, and to champion the relationship between our two great nations.”
She further added, “In today’s world filled with uncertainties that we face, the world’s oldest democracy and the world’s largest democracy unquestionably stand shoulder to shoulder. Hundreds of thousands of relationships and interactions between individuals, families, communities, cities, institutions and enterprises, continue to generate so much that is good for both countries, and the wider world.” On nominating Priti Patel for the award, Justice M. N. Venkatachaliah, former Chief Justice of India said, “Priti’s exemplary leadership has immensely benefited the growth and development of the relations between our two great nations. Her path-breaking and visionary contributions, as a responsible leader, to national and international politics, strengthening UK-India relations, and for supporting the Indian diaspora in the UK, have set an example for other inspiring leaders to follow.” Ms Patel said that she believes we have a unique opportunity for the UK and India to forge a deeper and stronger partnership.
