The members of The India League met in Parliament on 12 th July hosted by their Advisory Board member
Lord Rami Ranger. Guest panellists included Louise Tillin, Director of the King’s College, London India
Institute and Kevin McCole, COO of UK India Business Council alongside Advisory Board members of the
India League.
Free trade agreement
Input from the audience and the panel on this issue and the pros and cons of speed vs depth and
comprehensiveness of the FTA and the implications of political deadlines and the impending ministerial
change. They also noted the positivity and goodwill of both parties and the pace and political will on
both sides.
Recommendation: The India League recommends that a comprehensive, detailed FTA to the satisfaction
of UK trade and commerce organisations is more important than any political imperative for a quick
‘done deal’ which if rushed risks being ‘halve baked’ and ineffective and would then potentially lead to a
missed opportunity and possible disappointment.
It is important it is comprehensive and artificial deadlines not allowed to get in the way of substantive
agreements. Equally, that would mean detailed extensive preparation by UK parties and that in turn
means access to adequate resource resources to ensure that. The FTA must not become like the
Northern Ireland Protocol requiring constant renegotiation and leading ultimately to acrimony between
India and the UK.
It goes without saying that whoever the new Prime Minister is, they must maintain the momentum of
the FTA. The League recommends UK India Business Council be adequately and amply funded to be able to lobby for UK businesses in the ease of doing business in India which assists India to grow its economy.
Bilateral Relations
A discussion was held on shared values and clearer shifting political polarities in light of Russia’s invasion
of Ukraine.
Recommendation: The India League recommends the new UK Prime Minister continues the trend and
the strategic UK tilt toward India strategically and economically.
The values of both nations of liberalism and democracy are best maintained through a free and fair
press and we recommend continued support of UK-basedpapers such as Asian Voice and others which
bind and inform the local UK British Indian community and beyond and amplify the importance of the
relationship. We welcome increased coverage recently of this important relationship in newspapers
such as the Financial Times.
They also recommend reaching outside the British Indian community to build ever closer ties between
the two nations as we have done through the King’s India Institute.
The League recommend the increased promotion of those eternal Indian values and heritage which
resonate (and are much needed) in the West – specifically yoga, meditation, and awareness of the need
for tolerance and non-violence. Equally, we should be cautious in seeking ‘ease of doing business’ and
reducing regulation and liberalization bringing businesses to India which are not necessarily ones we
ourselves heavily regulate in the UK, eg gambling, alcohol and smoking.
The recommendation included the role of the India League is not just to share the best of our common
values between the UK and India but share those values globally for a more harmonious world
community.
Academic connections
The members discussed attracting students and the King’s India Institute UK India education report led
by Lord Jo Johnson.
Recommendation: More political will in both countries is needed to resolve the problem of recognition
of academic attainment – reciprocity being key to real partnership
We recommend more is done to promote UK students studying in India and resolve the problems
around why this does not happen in the numbers it does for other countries. What are the hurdles?
They recommend that given the track record of achievement of Indian students in the UK visa and
allowance to work in the UK should be easier, faster and preferential. Especially in light of the dangers to
the United Kingdom’s national security highlighted in the recent House of Lords debate on reliance on
China’s students and the joint statement by MI5/FBI on this matter.
They also recommend private organisations and individuals connect through our help to support and
fund Indian students wishing to study in the UK and in India specializing in institutions such as King’s on
subjects around India.
Empowerment of women
The League discussed the importance of the work in both countries on violence against women and the
joint work needed.
Recommendation: Both countries' political leaders strongly believe in the empowerment of women and
recognize the devastating frequency of violence against women in their countries. We need more cross-
border sharing of know-how and we must ensure that women’s rights and the fundamental human right
to bodily autonomy remain at the forefront of policy and action in both countries.
OBJECTIVES OF THE INDIA LEAGUE
Advisory Board is detailed on our website at www.theindialeague.org
● To strengthen UK-India ties in all facets - Intergovernmental, academic, cultural, and economic
for a more prosperous and stronger UK and India as two leading global liberal democracies to
ensure the future lies with those who with a sense of history and an eye for the future to build
stronger alliances to resist tyranny, extremism, and poverty.
● To support and lead on Indian Diaspora Issues globally, including resistance to hate speech and
discrimination
● Working with other organisations to provide an additional strong voice for our goals of
liberalism and democratic ideals of liberty and equality.
● Inform and educate the Indian diaspora on their rights and duties as citizens in keeping with
the founding principles of the League.
