India’s new High Commissioner to the UK, Vikram Doraiswami, has had a packed schedule of events since taking charge late last month and this week his focus was on the Indian diaspora in Birmingham.
In his first meeting with community leaders since the recent disorder in Leicester spilled over into Birmingham, the envoy interacted with a wide cross-section of representatives and exchanged ideas with diaspora organisations.
The discussions spanned a range of issues including community cohesion; strengthening the diaspora “living bridge” by increasing participation of diaspora youth in political, cultural and business links; travel and consular services; the need for better and faster communication to counter misinformation; promoting greater interaction among the diverse linguistic and religious Indian communities; and the need to fortify Indian diaspora unity including by participating in each other’s events.
Dr Shashank Vikram, the Consul General of India in Birmingham, told iGlobal: “The High Commissioner engaged with the community leaders on an extensive range of subjects, covering local concerns to wider diaspora matters.
“He felt it was important to personally meet with community leaders in Birmingham as a gesture of reassurance following the recent disturbances in the city.”
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Besides exhorting the community to remain vigilant against misinformation and motivated provocations, the High Commissioner also reiterated support of the Consulate General of India in Birmingham and the Indian High Commission in London to strengthen the relationship between India and its diaspora in the UK.
On his first tour of the West Midlands as High Commissioner, Doraiswami also met the region’s Mayor Andy Street to discuss issues related to strengthening the UK-India partnership across different sectors such as electric vehicles (EVs) and green energy.
“Very instructive, task-specific discussion with West Midlands Mayor Andy Street about business, investment and partnership including in EVs, Green solutions, FinTech and the automotive sector. Looking forward to more India-specific business together,” he said.
The Indian High Commission also co-hosted a reception with the Conservative Friends of India (CFIN) at the Conservative Party annual conference in Birmingham.
The high-profile event had senior representation from the Tory party, including Foreign Secretary James Cleverly, Home Secretary Suella Braverman and International Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch. CFIN co-chairs, Councillors Reena Ranger and Ameet Jogia, were joined by members of the Indian diaspora and parliamentarians at the joint reception.
UK Prime Minister Liz Truss said in her message: “I know the reception is a highlight of the Conference agenda year after year.
“I look forward to working with you [CFIN] in growing our Party’s engagement with the British Indian Community.”