Labour Indians, the Labour Party’s diaspora outreach organisation, launched a comprehensive publication entitled ‘The UK-India Relationship: Perspectives on a Future Partnership’ to celebrate the bilateral partnership at the party conference held in Liverpool this week.
It came as the High Commission of India in London co-hosted an India reception, attended by Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds and Minister for Migration and Citizenship Seema Malhotra, among other Labour ministers, members of Parliament and councillors.
Vikram Doraiswami, Indian High Commissioner to the UK, said: “At the heart of this relationship is the ambitious India-UK Roadmap 2030, a comprehensive strategy that elevates our ties to the level of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This roadmap outlines our shared vision for revitalised trade, investment, and technological collaboration, as well as enhanced defence, security, and climate action.
“Underpinning this relationship is the remarkable India-UK ‘Living Bridge’. The Indian diaspora in the UK, now numbering over 1.8 million, strengthens cultural bonds while contributing significantly to the prosperity of both nations.”
Krish Raval, Chair of Labour Indians, stated: “Labour’s collaboration with the British Indian community provides a strong counter-narrative, one that celebrates diversity as a key driver of economic dynamism. By embracing the contributions of industrious communities like the British Indian diaspora, Labour can bolster social cohesion while enhancing the UK’s global competitiveness.
“In conclusion, the British Indian community is integral to the UK’s economic success and global positioning. Through close collaboration with the ‘living bridge’ between the UK, India and the largest diaspora in the world, the Labour government can secure electoral support, drive economic growth, and strengthen national security.
“By embracing diversity, fostering international partnerships, and aligning on mutual interests, the government will be better positioned to steer the UK towards a more prosperous and secure future.”
Kanishka Narayan, newly elected Labour MP for Vale of Glamorgan and Vice-Chair of Labour Indians, noted: “In reflecting on our shared history, we often forget a key aspect that now binds Britain and India tightly together. That the primary basis for this closest of relationships is our common attitude: that Britain and India are today countries chasing the future.
“We chase the future together in technology. It is Indian software developers who power the largest proportion of GitHub AI projects of any country globally. It is Britain that produces the second largest number of significant machine learning systems. India’s software talent matches Britain’s AI excellence. Together, we chase the future of frontier artificial intelligence, grounded in our shared values.”
*Info: Labour Conference 2024
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