Cabinet ministers from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) and Health and Social Care, Liz Kendall and Wes Streeting, celebrated new beginnings under a Labour Party led UK government for the “defining partnership” with India at the annual India Global Forum (IGF) Diwali Reception in London this week.
Liz Kendall, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, said in her address: “The relationship between India and the UK really, really matters… It's why we are absolutely committed to securing a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and Bilateral Investment Treaty with India, one that builds on an incredible trading relationship that’s already worth over £39 billion and supports over 700,000 jobs across our two great countries.
“The relationship we seek with India goes beyond trade alone. It really is a strategic partnership for economic security, for climate security and for global security… and the key to addressing many of the global challenges is harnessing these rapid developments in technology for the good of all our citizens.”
Wes Streeting, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, emphasised the spirit of renewal and optimism driving forward the partnership between the UK and India under a recently elected Labour government, particularly in the fields of health and social care.
Streeting said: “The UK-India relationship is one of our most important relationships, it is deep and historic and the bonds of friendship and family between our two countries run deep.
“This is also a defining partnership for this century. India is already a significant global power, and its weight and influence will only grow over the course of the century. So, the bonds of friendship that run deep in terms of our historic ties are absolutely vital for the UK in the 21st century.”
The minister particularly highlighted areas such as primary care where the UK can learn from India as his department sets about reforming the National Health Service (NHS).
He added: “The way in which primary care is being delivered (in India), we can really learn from at a time when people are struggling to get a GP appointment and the front door to the NHS in our communities is broken.”
IGF’s Annual Westminster Diwali Reception brought together leading figures in the UK government, shadow cabinet, High Commission of India in London, business, arts, culture and philanthropy at Taj Hotel in London.
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Manoj Ladwa, IGF Founder and Chairman, said: “As we celebrate the first Diwali of a new Labour government in the UK, it is the perfect time to inject renewed vigour into one of our most impactful relationships.
“In India, Prime Minister Starmer’s team will find an ever-willing partner to add momentum behind the new strategic collaboration he has committed to. So, at this time of year when we celebrate new beginnings, there can be no more important focus than to drive forward this winning partnership towards its true potential.”
The reception was preceded by high-level roundtable sessions across UK-India Future Forum programmes including New Collaborations in Emerging Technology, Reforming Governance with Technology, Pharmaceuticals and Pandemic Preparedness Dialogue and Decarbonisation and Hydrogen Innovation in the UK-India Partnership.
Shadow Home Secretary James Cleverly said: “Whilst I have no doubt that it is in India’s interest to maintain a strong working relationship with the UK, it is in the UK’s interest to ensure that we have a strong working relationship with India.
“Today, it is obvious to me that the balance of the relationship is very much in India’s favour. India will be a success; I have no doubt about it at all. It is in the UK’s interest to make sure that we share in India’s success.”
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Sujit Ghosh, India’s Deputy High Commissioner to the UK, added: “It is a matter of immense satisfaction that both sides approach the partnership through a strategic lens.
“Deepavali is about celebrating togetherness, growth, opportunities, economic prosperity and so much more. And, Indian investments into the UK are ensuring that UK enjoys the Deepavali spirit throughout the year.”
*Info: India Global Forum