LONDON: Ashwini Vaishnav, the recently reappointed Union Minister for Railways, Information Broadcasting, Electronics and Information Technology, will be making her first statement on the international stage at the annual India Global Forum (IGF) in London from Monday.
His virtual address will outline the immediate priorities of the Modi 3.0 government and opportunities for global partners to join the ‘Bikshit Bharat’ vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047. On the UK side, Sir Tariq Ahmad, Foreign Secretary for South Asia, will outline highlights of the Conservative-led government’s bilateral partnership.
The week-long event comes at a turning point, coming on the heels of the Indian general elections and at the peak of the UK’s election campaign for the general elections on July 4. In line with the bipartisan outlook of IGF London, Opposition Shadow Foreign Secretary David Lammy is expected to set out his vision for India-UK strategic relations under a future Labour-led government.
“As we enter a new era in the UK-India relationship, we need new ideas, not just for our two countries but for our global partners as well,” said Manoj Ladwa, founder and chairman of the UK-based India Global Forum.
“IGF London serves as a catalyst for ideas, collaboration and dialogue to drive innovation, economic growth and social progress around the world. Leveraging the unique shared values and strengths of this bilateral relationship, we aim to address global challenges and build a platform of cooperation for a brighter future,” he said.
Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations, which have been stalled amid election periods in both countries, and the 2030 roadmap for UK-India relations will be a major part of the agenda for the forum’s various sessions.
In a session titled “India is a Nation of Women,” former Minister of State for Women and Child Development Smriti Irani will explore the changing role of women in India’s socio-economic landscape, highlighting the government’s efforts to empower women in India.
A host of experts, including Biocon’s Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw and Sanjeev Sanyal, member of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council, are expected to weigh in to explore how companies can best invest in and benefit from India’s growth story.
Now in its sixth year, IGF London has previously featured speakers from the UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Leader of the Opposition Keir Starmer, and will culminate with the presentation of the annual UK-India Awards, which recognise individuals and organisations who advance the bilateral partnership.
Published June 21, 2024 14:56 IST
