Lord Dholakia has raised a very pertinent question-“So what has Britain to offer India?” at a debate in the House of Lords on what assessment the UK Government has made of the outcome of the 2014 general election in India. Remarking on the dual importance of holding the debate on Diwali and the "unique opportunity” the new Indian Government presented: ”for the United Kingdom to reinvigorate momentum in its relationship with India, "Lord Dholakia said: “India needs investment, and the UK is already its biggest G20 investor—and we can do more.”
Highlighting that: "Britain is in a unique position to work more closely with India because we have educational, historic, cultural and people-to-people ties between our two nations," Lord Dholakia noted that the UK Government was right to "re-engage with Narendra Modi in 2012 after the 10 years of diplomatic isolation of the Gujarat Government."
Declaring an interest, Lord Dholakia said he was: "honoured to be appointed as Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg’s business adviser" to India. Touching on the many times that David Cameron has visited India since 2010 and the "recent visit of India’s Foreign Minister, Sushma Swaraj, to the United Kingdom," Lord Dholakia described how he was able to gain a "first-hand opportunity to see why India matters to the United Kingdom" when the Liberal Democrats "led the first UK trade delegation to India since its landmark election in May."
Highlighting the overwhelming victory that the new prime minister of India gained and the mandate that this has given Narenda Modi Lord Dholakia said that whilst: "[w]e also have the distinction of having here one of the largest populations of the Indian diaspora, estimated at 1.5 million" we should " not underestimate India’s position worldwide." Crediting our High Commissioner, in India, James Bevan for building up one of the largest diplomatic network's there, Lord Dholakia said: "[w]e cannot continue to plead our special relationship with India. We have to work hard to build renewed confidence in our bilateral relationship."
Evidencing the many overseas visits the new Indian PM has already made to other countries Lord Dholakia stated that whilst we now have "increased co-operation on foreign policy and a genuine understanding on matters of defence and security [t]here are still irritants in the field of education, where there is a drop in the number of students coming to the United Kingdom for further education. "Citing other examples of our continued links with India Lord Dholakia noted that: "[b]ilateral trade is likely to double by next year, and there is a renewed co-operation on matters of research and innovation." This was all positive reinforcement of both countries commitment to working in partnership together.
Observing India's now improved outlook with the new government from "a period of stagnation with a declining economy," Lord Dholakia said: "[t]he BJP’s election win was the logical outcome. The country was crying out for a strong Government and the BJP provided that." Giving credit to Mr Modi: "that it is the first time in 30 years that any single party has secured an absolute majority," Lord Dholakia said: "[p]eople's expectations are great" and "[w]e now have the most powerful Prime Minister that India has had for many years." Citing the challenges that lie ahead for the new government with an "estimated .. . 60% of India’s population .. below the age of 35 [and a] further estimated ... 10 million to 15 million young people enter[ing] the labour market each year," Lord Dholakia stated "[t]here was [an] emphasis on reform, which involved more devolution of power and control which would result in more economic liberalisation and less central control."
Pointing to "the BJP Government in Gujarat['s] .. economic growth, which has continually exceeded that of other states in India" Lord Dholakia opined: "the BJP Government [has] a unique opportunity to reform labour laws and rebuild the industrial sector." Illustrating Mr Modi's "flagship programme aimed at tackling poverty by ending financial untouchability" Lord Dholakia asserted that he "was not afraid to identify issues that have featured prominently in the past years" such as "corruption," and" rape, equality, and the safety of women and girls."
Lord Dholakia affirmed “that the new Government have [also] placed economic development high on their agenda” and the UK is well positioned to improve on “our bilateral trade [which] is over £16 billion [pa].” This includes the City of London which “is the world’s biggest financial centre and well placed to provide expertise and advice.” Continuing his theme Lord Dholakia also emphasised the important contributions that are made in the field of education. This includes: “some of our leading universities and colleges already hav[ing] offices in India, attracting thousands of Indian students to the UK every year.” Whilst this is promising, Lord Dholakia highlighted that problems in this area due to visa applications have resulted in “a drop of nearly 20% in students coming to the United Kingdom.” This was something that needed urgent “examin[ation of] our immigration policies to ensure that there are no detriments here;” additionally, “promot[ing] more student exchanges, joint research projects and learning partnerships both here and in India” was needed said Lord Dholakia.
Noting that “[e]vidence from a recent poll found that more than 68% of Indian Muslims felt safer under the Modi Government than under previous Governments” Lord Dholakia raised the issue of “regional priorities”. Stressing the importance of this Lord Dholakia said: “the international community is looking to see how India intends to continue strengthening regional ties.” Recognising that “India is a mature democracy” Lord Dholakia welcomed the inroads already made in this area since the new government formed such as meeting the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Nawaz Sharif, but emphasised that: “[i]t is not for Britain to mediate between India and Pakistan.” Finishing off Lord Dholakia was keen to point out that “[t]he prize for co-operation [between India and Pakistan] is high,” and “[f]ull trade normalisation will benefit both countries,” but ” [w]e need to exercise care that in debates and discussions, particularly in this country, we should not support those who are determined to undermine the world’s largest democracy’s process of economic development.”
