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India-UK Ties Get Fresh Impetus with Jaishankar’s Visit

The visit also unfolded against the backdrop of significant strides in the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the ambitious Roadmap 2030.

In a diplomatic stride that reverberated with historical resonance, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar concluded his recent visit to the United Kingdom, solidifying the enduring ties between the two nations.

The visit not only provided a fresh impetus to bilateral cooperation but also unfolded against the backdrop of significant strides in the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the ambitious Roadmap 2030.

“External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar recent visit to the United Kingdom further consolidated the long-standing historical ties between the two countries and provided a new impetus to bilateral cooperation in diverse areas against the backdrop of progress on the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and Roadmap 2030,” the Ministry of External Affairs said in a release.

Jaishankar paid an official visit to the United Kingdom from November 11-15. The EAM called on UK PM Rishi Sunak, and held talks with his new counterpart, Foreign Secretary David Cameron. He also met Secretary of State for Home, James Cleverly; Secretary of State for Defence Grant Shapps; and National Security Adviser, Tim Barrow.

In his meeting with the Prime Minister, EAM extended Diwali greetings and conveyed best wishes on behalf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. PM Sunak and EAM expressed satisfaction at positive momentum in enhancing the India-UK relationship as an important factor in addressing contemporary challenges. They also reviewed implementation of Roadmap 2030 and discussed ongoing negotiations for a India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), the MEA’s release added.

EAM met Foreign Secretary Cameron on his first day in office and congratulated him on his appointment. They discussed avenues to realise the full potential of India-UK partnership in avenues ranging from cooperation in political, economic and trade, defence and security, science and technology, innovation, health, education, people-to-people connections and mobility. They also exchanged views on important global developments including the Indo-Pacific, the situation in West Asia, and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, it also said.

With Home Secretary Cleverly, EAM discussed the importance of mobility in skills and talent in the development of bilateral cooperation, and exchanged views on addressing extremism, trans-border crimes including economic offences and trafficking.

In EAM’s meeting with Defence Secretary Shapps, they focused on enhancing defence and security cooperation, recognizing that ‘Make in India’ offers a wealth of opportunities to UK companies for potential industrial partnerships. EAM and NSA Tim Barrow discussed recent developments including in West Asia, Indo-Pacific and Russia-Ukraine. They underscored the need for close collaboration on combating violent extremism and radicalism and agreed to deepen and expand dialogue on these and other shared concerns.

The EAM also met the former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, Leader of the Opposition Keir Starmer, Shadow Foreign Secretary David Lammy, along with Shadow Minister of State for Asia & the Pacific, Catherine West.

Jaishankar addressed the Indian diaspora at a Diwali Reception at Westminster Palace, in which Minister of State Lord Tariq Ahmad also offered greetings on behalf of His Majesty’s Government. EAM also visited the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple at Neasden. He also unveiled two 8th Century Yogini sculptures from a temple in the village of Lokhari in Uttar Pradesh, which have been recovered in the UK and will shortly be sent back to India.

Meeting with former UK PM Tony Blair

During the visit, EAM also participated in a conversation on ‘How a Billion People See the World’at a Policy Event held in partnership with Wilton Park and the Royal Overseas League. The event, moderated by the eminent political commentator Lionel Barber, was attended by parliamentarians, diplomats, journalists, academicians and business leaders.

India-UK FTA discussed

Ministry of External Affairs Official Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi has said the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) was discussed during (EAM) Jaishankar’s meeting with UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on his recent visit to the country.

“The EAM discussed the FTA with the UK PM and the newly sworn-in foreign secretary. There are discussions going on. But if you want to know the exact status of negotiations, I would refer you to the trade negotiators,” Bagchi said while speaking on the India-UK FTA during the MEA Weekly Media Briefing on Thursday.

The MEA spokesperson further said: “Both India and UK are engaged on this important issue to see if we can find, a solution or reach a final stage…”

EAM Jaishankar on his recent five-day visit to the UK, met with his British counterpart David Cameron and discussed progressing a Free Trade Agreement and partnerships on defence, science and technology.

During the meeting on Monday, the two leaders reflected on the strength of the UK-India relationship, including meeting the ambition of the UK-India 2030 Roadmap, according to the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Jaishankar meets with UK Labour Party Leader Sir Keir Starmer

“The Foreign Secretary and Jaishankar also discussed progressing a free trade agreement and partnerships on defence, science and technology,” it said.

The duo also discussed shared global challenges, including the situation in Israel and Gaza and the war between Russia and Ukraine. (ANI)

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Modi, Sunak Discuss Progress in India-UK FTA

New Delhi, Sept 9 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi shares a light moment with United Kingdom PM Rishi Sunak during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the G20 Summit, in New Delhi on Saturday. (ANI Photo)

Rishi Sunak also congratulated Narendra Modi on Team India’s strong performance in the ongoing Cricket World Cup.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his UK counterpart Rishi Sunak discussed the progress on the Free Trade Agreement during their telephonic conversation on Friday.

Sunak also congratulated PM Modi on Team India’s strong performance in the ongoing Cricket World Cup.

“Turning to the friendship between the UK and India, the leaders discussed recent progress on Free Trade Agreement negotiations. They agreed on the importance of securing an ambitious deal that benefitted both sides,” the UK government said in a statement.

India and UK are negotiating a Free Trade Agreement, talks for which had begun in 2022. The 12th round of negotiations for the UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) took place from August 8-31 this year.

The UK PM affirmed hope of a good performance from the English side during the Test series in India in January next year.

“The leaders discussed the ongoing Cricket World Cup being held in India. The Prime Minister congratulated Prime Minister Modi on the strong performance of the India team and said he hoped England would have more luck during their test series in India in January,” the statement added.

Notably, India is having a strong run in the ongoing Cricket World Cup and has won all seven matches it has played so far. The defending champions, England on the other hand, have had poor show, winning only one game out of the six they have played.

In the India versus England game at Lucknow, the Men in Blue registered a huge 100-run victory, after India’s pace attack rattled the English batting while defending a below-par total.

PM Modi and PM Sunak also discussed the conflict situation in the Middle East amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.

The two leaders condemned Hamas’s attacks on Israel, and reiterated that Hamas “did not represent” the Palestinian people.

They reflected on the need to deescalate tensions in the wider region. PM Sunak also underscored the importance of protecting innocent civilians in Gaza and ensuring aid was able to flow into the country, the statement added. (ANI)

ALSO READ: India Mulls Domestic Tax to Counter EU Carbon Tax

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Modi, Sunak Hold Talks on Sidelines of G20

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday held a bilateral meeting with his UK counterpart Rishi Sunak on the sidelines of the G20 Summit being held in the national capital under India's presidency.

Both leaders have discussed the India-UK free trade agreement, innovation, and science along with ways to strengthen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday held a bilateral meeting with his UK counterpart Rishi Sunak on the sidelines of the G20 Summit being held in the national capital under India’s presidency.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday held a bilateral meeting with his UK counterpart Rishi Sunak on the sidelines of the G20 Summit being held in the national capital under India's presidency.

The meeting between the two leaders was held at the Bharat Mandapam in Pragati Maidan, the venue of the Summit.

Talks between the two leaders followed their meeting held on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Hiroshima in May this year in which they had discussed the India-UK free trade agreement, innovation, and science along with ways to strengthen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries.

The two countries are negotiating a Free Trade Agreement, talks for which had begun in 2022. The 12th round of negotiations for the UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) took place from August 8 to 31 this year.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday held a bilateral meeting with his UK counterpart Rishi Sunak on the sidelines of the G20 Summit being held in the national capital under India's presidency.

In August this year, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and the UK’s Secretary of State for Trade Kemi Badenoch took stock of the FTA and agreed on ways to progress the negotiations. The 13th round of negotiations is due to take place in September.

Earlier today, PM Modi and Rishi Sunak participated in Session 1 on ‘One Earth’ during the G20 Summit. Sunak said that the world is looking to G20 to provide leadership and that the leaders are meeting at a time of enormous challenges. He expressed confidence that the leaders will together be able to address the challenges.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday held a bilateral meeting with his UK counterpart Rishi Sunak on the sidelines of the G20 Summit being held in the national capital under India's presidency.

In a post shared on X, Sunak stated, “15 years ago, #G20 leaders came together for the first time to restore global growth after the financial crisis. We meet at a time of enormous challenges – the world is looking to the G20 once again to provide leadership. Together I believe we can address these challenges.”

PM Modi welcomed world leaders, including US President Joe Biden, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, UK PM Rishi Sunak, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and others as they arrived to attend the Summit at the Bharat Mandapam venue.

Rishi Sunak and PM Modi warmly greeted each other with Namaste and shook hands. They two leaders also hugged each other as they posed for cameras.

Sunak, accompanied by wife Akshata Murty had arrived in Delhi on Friday. This is Rishi Sunak’s first visit to India as Prime Minister since he assumed the office of Prime Minister of UK in October last year.

India and the UK are bound by strong ties of history and culture, according to the Ministry of External Affairs. India’s multifaceted bilateral relationship with the UK intensified with its upgradation to a Strategic Partnership in 2004. (ANI)

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BRIDGE INDIA Ideas for India 2023 meet to open soon  

Discussions during Ideas for India will include bilateral relations with the UK, India’s growth as a geopolitical power, investment opportunities in India, the importance of federalism, and a special focus on the North East.. Rahul Laud reports

 Last year, the progressive think tank Bridge India hosted Bridge India’s Ideas For India. This year more than 100 business leaders from across India, as well as political leaders from seven parties across eight states have confirmed their attendance at the largest India-related conference in Europe this year, says Pratik Dattani the brain behind Bridge India.

Pratik Dattani, Managing Director of EPG.

Global advisory firm EPG’s India Week is its annual gathering of change-makers, policy, and business leaders for high-level discussions on pertinent topics, including the UK-India Free Trade Agreement.

Pratik informs that speakers confirmed include Dr Raghuram Rajan (Former Governor, Reserve Bank of India), Rahul Narwekar (Speaker of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly), Rohit Pawar (Member of Legislative Assembly, Maharashtra), Priyanka Chaturvedi (Member of Parliament, Maharashtra), Kartikeya Sharma (Member of Parliament, Haryana), Riniki Bhuyan Sarma (MD, Pride East Entertainment), Pradyot Manikya (Chairman, Tipra Motha, Tripura), Jayesh Ranjan, IAS (Principal Secretary of the Industries and Commerce, and IT Departments, Telangana), Mohammed Ali Ashraf Fatmi (National Spokesperson, JDU, Bihar), Abhinandan Sekhri (Co-Founder, Newslaundry), Arunabha Ghosh (CEO, Council on Energy, Environment and Water).

The Chief Minister of a leading state in India is also expected to attend. They will be coming especially for the flagship “Ideas for India” conference, organised alongside the non-profit think tank Bridge India.

The Financial Times recently said this would be “India’s coming decade of outperformance” and The Economist said, “This is India’s moment.” India Week seeks to celebrate these trends, across several special events on 7-12 May 2023 in Leicestershire, Oxford, and London.

It starts with an exclusive CEOs’ Golf Weekend on 7-8 May at Rutland Hall & Spa in Leicestershire, where more than 20 CEOs from India are expected to fly in especially. Thereafter, there is the Education Innovation Conference in Oxford, organised in partnership with WBR, and including Prof Jonathan Michie OBE, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford, and leadership from over 40 higher education institutions in India.

Finally, the flagship Ideas for India conference in London on 11-12 May, will include an invite-only dinner at the House of Commons and a formal dinner the next evening to celebrate closer UK-India ties.

Pratik Dattani, Managing Director of EPG, said: “India’s diversity is its strength, and by bringing together such a wide range of businesses and political leaders on one platform in London, we hope to showcase the best of India. Our attendees include some of the largest companies in Europe, including some of the leading investors in India.”

 Discussions during Ideas for India will include bilateral relations with the UK, India’s growth as a geopolitical power, investment opportunities in India, the importance of federalism, and a special focus on the North East.

Pratik elaborated, “This time, we expect over 800 attendees from 10+ countries across the Week to attend. “Ideas for India 2023 is the place to engage in high-level discussions on New India. India’s economic growth rate is the highest amongst major economies today, as China struggles with a bloated infrastructure sector, local government bad debts, a zero-Covid policy and an aging population,” Pratik added.

Pratik explained , “India’s inflation rate is lower than that of the UK, the US and other major economies. As the Western world diversifies its supply chains and geopolitical dependencies away from China, India stands to benefit. At the same time, India’s institutions are under strain. Media freedom, civil liberties, rights for minorities and democratic, institutional structures that have served India well since Independence, are under threat from nationalism and associated forces.”

For more information visit www.bridgeindia.org.uk/event/ideas-for-india-2023.

India Week Itinerary

The conference is part of a wider India Week, the itinerary for which is:

·         7-8 May: CEOs Golf Retreat at Rutland Hall (Leicestershire)

·         9 May: Education Innovation Conference and Education Leaders’ Awards (Oxford)

·         11 May: Ideas for India conference with Bridge India, Parliament Dinner (London)

·         12 May: Ideas for India conference with Bridge India, Black-tie Celebration Dinner (London)

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India to play key role in UK’s higher education

Sanam Arora, Founder and Chair of the National Indian Students and Alumni Union UK (NISAU UK), has been appointed as one of the Commissioners of the IHEC, reports Asian Lite News

The UK’s former Universities Minister and Chair of the Cross-Party Universities Group, Rt Hon Chris Skidmore MP has launched a new International Education Commission in the UK to enable the UK’s Higher Education Community to convene and develop a new ‘International Education Strategy’ for the country.

Rt Hon Chris Skidmore MP speaking at the launch of the IHEC

The purpose of International Higher Education Commission (IHEC) is to develop recommendations for a new ‘International Education Strategy 2.0’ in partnership with the higher education community. It is formed of institutional representatives from across the U.K, including the devolved nations. The IHEC will meet in a series of roundtable discussions, the distillation of which will form the basis of the new strategy to be submitted to the UK Government as a sector-wide plan for the future.

Sanam Arora, Founder and Chair of the National Indian Students and Alumni Union UK (NISAU UK), has been appointed as one of the Commissioners of the IHEC, alongside stalwarts of the Higher Education sector in the UK such as two former Universities Ministers, The Rt Hon. Lord Willetts FRS and The Rt Hon. Lord Jo Johnson; university leaders such as James Purnell, who has been a former secretary of state for culture, media and sport as well as for work and pensions and is now President and Vice Chancellor of the University of the Arts London; Professor Shitij Kapur, President and Principal of King’s College London; Professor Shearer West CBE, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Nottingham; and Diana Beach, CEO of London Higher, the representative body for London’s universities.

Sanam’s appointment is seen as a major win for international students and for India, which is now the single largest source country for international students in the UK. Previously, Sanam led the NISAU’s multi-year campaign to bring back the post-study work visa to the UK. The visa, known as the “Graduate Route” was implemented under the Rt Hon. Boris Johnson’s premiership in 2019, and allows international students to work in the UK for a period of 2-3 years, after completing their studies. It is widely recognised as having played an instrumental role in the significant increase in the demand for UK’s higher education. The number of Indian students choosing to come to the UK has increased by around 300%, with nearly 120,000 Indians being granted study visas in the last intake.

In advance of the launch, Rt Hon. Chris Skidmore MP said: 

“International students are vital to the social and economic success of the U.K. and ensuring we remain an outwardly focused and globally engaged nation relevant to the world of today. Thankfully, our universities have stepped up to deliver on this vision, yet they need greater support across government to maintain our globally attractive international student offer and engagement with the world. Higher education is rightly regarded as the jewel in the UK’s crown – it opens many doors and is the basis for many opportunities for UK plc and its citizens. Now more than ever before we need a clear vision of what our international education strategy should be.  Three years on since I launched the first strategy, the sector has met the targets it set out and needs a new framework. But with a new strategy needs to come greater recognition that we must have a more granular and sustainable approach to international education – one that does not just treat students as numbers on a spreadsheet but delivers the best possible outcomes for every individual – including, crucially, for domestic UK students. At the same time, with other countries outpacing the U.K. with more attractive post study work VISAs, we need to wake up to the fact that international students are part of the solution, and not the problem, for future U.K. success.  That is why I have decided to establish this International Education Commission to bring the sector together to set out clearly what is needed, and the policies and frameworks that should be promoted if we are to have a chance of sustaining our international student pathways for the future.”

Sanam Arora

Commenting on her appointment as an IHEC Commissioner, Sanam Arora said “I am delighted to have been appointed as a Commissioner and look forward to working with colleagues to develop an international education strategy for the UK that is student-centric, ambitious and world-leading, aligned with the objective of Global Britain becoming the world’s leading knowledge and innovation economy, and ensuring that the requirements and ambitions of international students are placed at the heart of future policymaking. As far as India and the UK are concerned, we are at an extremely pivotal moment and we need to develop a futuristic partnership that focuses on each country’s strengths and requirements, as equal partners. For instance, in the UK, we have serious challenges in finding skilled manpower from hospitality to healthcare.

An enhanced immigration regime, which matches the need for talent, can create opportunities for Indian graduates who have studied in the UK to find meaningful work. We know through NISAU’s own research and experiences with Indian students the majority of Indian students would like to stay in the UK for some years to find meaningful work experiences before eventually returning home. This presents a wonderful opportunity for mutual benefit. The UK’s short to medium-term skills gaps can be plugged by providing a simplified education-to-employment system for Indians who have studied here. Upon their return to India, such highly trained graduates would in turn contribute significantly to their home nation by bringing in global best practices. It is such innovative skill and education-based partnerships that we hope to drive in the India-UK corridor.”

This appointment comes hot off the heels of the hugely successful India UK Achievers Honours, conceptualised and executed by the NISAU UK in partnership with the British Council in India and supported by the UK’s Department for International Trade and the UK’s Higher Education Sector. The Achievers Honours recognised 75 young Achievers and 8 Outstanding Achievers who have studied in the UK, achieving excellence in their field and making meaningful contributions to society. The Honours were announced at a Gala Ceremony held in London, including a reception at the UK Parliament on the eve of India’s Republic Day. Winners included India’s national film award winning actress, Parineeti Chopra; CEO of Serum Institute, Adar Poonawalla; and the youngest member of Indian Parliament, Raghav Chadha.

A few months prior to this, Sanam was awarded the ‘Outstanding Contribution to the Higher Education Industry’ award at the prestigious PIEoneer awards, which celebrate the best of international higher education. At the same event, the NISAU also won the ‘Best Student Support’ award and was runner up for the ‘Association of the Year’. These awards are in recognition of the NISAU’s work in the International Higher Education space, supporting thousands of Indians abroad through the Covid crisis and the war in Ukraine. The NISAU is a volunteer organisation, run by and for Indian students & alumni. 

ALSO READ: Next round of India-UK FTA talks to be held in March

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India, UK NSAs set to meet in London

The visit of NSA Doval to London comes right after he met his US counterpart Jake Sullivan in Washington last week.

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval is all set to meet his UK counterpart Tim Barrow in London, sources said.

In September 2022, Tim Barrow was chosen to serve as National Security Adviser of the UK. Barrow was once the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office’s (FCDO) Political Director and Second Permanent Under-Secretary, according to the official website of the Government of the UK.

The ties between India and the UK are often described as a Living Bridge, a dynamic economic force of people, businesses and ideas.

India and the United Kingdom (UK) share a comprehensive strategic partnership with each other. The two nations have also concluded six rounds of negotiations for a trade deal and will begin the next round very soon.

Notably, India and UK began the negotiations for the Free Trade Agreement between the two nations in January 2022. The UK-India free trade agreement is well-advanced. Although trade at the moment is worth 29.6 billion pounds, India is only the 12th largest trading partner of the UK.

India’s NSA Ajit Doval with US counterpart Jake Sullivan

The British High Commissioner also emphasised the advantages of the India-UK free trade agreement, which he says is supported by the mutual trust between the two countries, in an exclusive interview with ANI.

Britain’s new Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, the country’s first leader of Indian descent had earlier conveyed his hope of finalising the trade agreement during a call with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi.

The visit of NSA Doval to London comes right after he met his US counterpart Jake Sullivan in Washington last week. (ANI)

ALSO READ: India, US keen to fast track $3bn Predator drone deal

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UK backs India’s UNSC bid

India's Permanent Representative Ruchira Kamboj speaks at the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday, October 12, 2022, after New Delhi abstained on a resolution condemning Russia’s annexation of Ukrainian territories. (Photo Source: UN).

British High Commissioner said New Delhi’s push for reforms will make the institution more effective in dealing with the realities of today, reports Asian Lite News

Britain has reiterated its support to India’s candidacy for a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), British High Commissioner Alexander Ellis said while adding that New Delhi’s push for reforms will make the institution more effective in dealing with the realities of today.

Ellis said, “We certainly support India becoming the member of the UNSC as this is why the UNSC reforms are the institutional that reflects to the realities of today.”

“Change in the institution (UNSC) is hard and we need to make them work. Some of them come after the second World War like UN and UNSC, some came later like World Trade Organization (WTO)… zenith of globalization, the mid 90s and what we want from India is actually to make the effective institution,” he added.

The G4 ambassadors met with the US ambassador to discuss the reform and expansion of the UNSC.

He also gave the example of the International Financial Institutions (IFI) which is the product of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and said that the countries are adapting those to realities of today. He also said that India, for example had also lend money.

British High Commissioner also said that the vulnerable states like island nations need greater support so that they can create the impact in the world and hardwork is the key to that lock.

“Change in the multilateralisation is hardwork. What we are seeing is the creation of new institution which we will start more,” Ellis said in a podcast with ANI’s Editor-in-Chief.

He also gave the example of Clinical Trials Registry – India, which is majporly created with the support of UK.

“India will increasingly be part of all of those (Indo-Pacific group, minilateralism) things and including in panel so UK and India but also with other countries try to solve the particular problem,” British High Commissioner said.

British High Commissioner to India Alex Ellis

On December 1, India assumed the monthly rotating presidency of the UN Security Council (UNSC) for the second time in its two-year tenure as an elected member of the Council in 2021-22.

India had earlier assumed UNSC presidency in August 2021.

During its December Presidency, India held a “high-level open debate” on “Maintenance of International Peace and Security: New Orientation for Reformed Multilateralism (NORMS)” at the Security Council.

Earlier on December 14, The UK extended support for India’s permanent membership at the UNSC.

Dame Barbara Woodward, the UK Permanent Representative to the United Nations said, “The Security Council must as others have said become more representative of the world today and the UK has long called for its expansion in both the permanent and non-permanent categories, as the UK Foreign Secretary publicly reiterated this week – we support new permanent seats for Brazil, Germany, India and Japan.”

UK’s UN Ambassador Barbara Woodward (Video grab)

The UN Security Council is the premier global body for maintaining International peace and security. The Security Council, the United Nations’ principal crisis-management body, is empowered to impose binding obligations on the 193 UN member states to maintain peace.

The council’s five permanent and ten elected members meet regularly to assess threats to international security, including civil wars, natural disasters, arms proliferation, and terrorism.

Structurally, the council remains largely unchanged since its founding in 1946, stirring debate among members about the need for reforms.

The UN Security Council is composed of 15 members, including five permanent member states – China, France, Russian Federation, the United States, and the United Kingdom – and 10 non-permanent member states, which are elected by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). (ANI)

ALSO READ: India’s leadership at UNSC wins hearts

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BAPIO in UK gears up to save NHS; seeks educational ties with India

The British Association of Physicians of Indian origin (BAPIO) and BAPIO Training Academy (BTA) UK have drawn up plans to forge tie-ups between Indian hospitals and UK based medical education Universities, Rahul Laud reports

The latest two tie ups and signing of MoUs in the last two months- September-November 2022 between British Association of Physicians of Indian origin (BAPIO) and BAPIO Training Academy (BTA) UK and Bangalore hospitals – Gleneagles and Vydehi Super speciality (formerly Mallya hospital) demonstrates the fact that the vast Indian medical community that serves the NHS in the UK has been an active and conscientious supporter of the NHS system. They have cherished the values of top class quality patient care in the UK. The tie ups are with the aim of developing and providing world-class training and exchange programs for doctors and nurses in India to meet the growing demands of effective and safe delivery of emergencies.

Extreme left Chandru Iyer, Deputy High Commissioner , UK in Bangalore with BAPIO and hospital teams.

BAPIO with its Education Academy in the UK has actively geared up its resources to mitigate the current crisis faced by the NHS system. Given an Estimated lack of 12,000 doctors and 50,000 nurses in the UK, the BAPIO is seeking tie-ups with leading hospitals in India and engage in training and ensure trained professionals are recruited in both the countries.

Chandru Iyer, as the Deputy High Commissioner UK in Bangalore in his tweet said, “Such tie ups will enhance collaborative training avenues for Indian medical students and professionals in the UK.” It has been BAPIO’S strategy to promote professional & clinical excellence. Prof Parag Singhal, Executive Director- BTA and National Secretary –BAPIO explained, “This training initiative is designed specially to help International doctors gain experience at core and higher levels in UK hospitals.” The BTA Indo-UK Training Programme has been developed in partnership with University of South Wales and Kingsway Hospitals.

The Indo-UK Training Programmes organised by Prof Parag Singhal under the auspices of Bapio Training Academy has been devised to assist Indian doctors seeking higher qualification and Training and as aspiring career in medicine in India and help realising the dream of Ayushman Bharat.

Prof Dr Parag Singhal

An Advanced Specialty Training Program is designed by providing structured clinical training to candidates in Indian Institutions/Hospitals for 2 years and 2 years in the U.K. supported by enrollment in MBA in Healthcare leadership from UK University.

Singhal elaborated that the purpose is, “To train highly skilled Indian physicians in Family and General Medicine, Paediatrics, Psychiatry and Emergency Medicine and Leadership and Research in order to manage, lead and develop especially Family and General Medicine in India, need of the hour in India. Family and General Medicine is the backbone of any robust health service.”

Outlining the Scheme, Singhal elaborated, “During the 2 years, the trainees will work at Indian Hospitals / Institutes (chosen sites) with local trainers and with external training from U.K. faculty. Following completion of training in India, these trainees will receive further 2 years training in the U.K. and will complete all the necessary exams and milestones.”

BTA is the lead organization for this programme and is the link between India and UK. BTA will be responsible for creating a UK visiting faculty, coordinating the faculty visits, induction and mentoring. This unique and innovative programme is a great example of living bridge between U.K. and India and benefits all with India getting trained workforce to help with Ayushman Bharat, U.K. securing a pipeline of good quality doctors to address their workforce crisis.

India is now producing over 82,000 medical graduates every year through its network of 576 medical colleges and the Indian Government has shown keen commitment to reforms in medical profession and education by a series of initiatives as National Health Agency (Ayushman Bharat) & National Medical Commission (NMC), New AIIMS etc. in the health sector.

“However, there are limited numbers of Post Graduate training positions and more so for positions that offer a high level of training. Indian medical schools use similar textbooks and curriculum to the UK, which means knowledge and skills are largely transferable between the two systems. Large numbers of doctors of Indian origin already practice in the NHS providing a useful support network for new arrivals,” Singhal further explained.

British training is internationally recognized and is attractive to doctors in India, especially to those who are unable to obtain a PG seat in India.

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UK Foreign Secretary Cleverly due in India tomorrow

James Cleverly. Picture by Andrew Parsons / No 10 Downing Street

UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly will arrive in India on Friday for his first official trip to the South Asian country.

Cleverly will meet his Indian counterpart Dr S. Jaishankar and discuss strengthening the UK-India relationship, the UK Foreign Office said.

He will land in Mumbai on Friday to pay respects to those who lost their lives in the city’s terror attack at the Taj Palace Hotel in 2008. He will travel to New Delhi on Saturday.

“Our relationship with India is hugely important to me; as the world’s largest democracy, India is a natural partner for the UK in the Indo-Pacific. It is an economic and tech powerhouse,” Cleverly said. “Our deeper ties will boost both our economies and help to tackle global security challenges.”

 “I look forward to working even more closely with India when it takes up the G20 Presidency in December,” he added.

Cleverly is scheduled to speak at the Special Meeting of the UN Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee in Mumbai.

He will call on countries to work together to fight online terrorism – including global terror recruitment campaigns and live streaming of attacks, the Foreign Office said in a statement.

In New Delhi the Foreign Secretary is also due to meet India’s Minister of External Affairs Dr Jaishankar to discuss the latest on the 2030 Roadmap, the landmark commitment to boost cooperation between the UK and India over the next decade under a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Since it was launched last year, huge progress has been made, including the start of ambitious free trade negotiations, the expansion of our defence and security partnership, including through a visit to India last year by HMS Queen Elizabeth and the Carrier Strike Group (CSG), and joint exercises to enhance cyber security collaboration.

ALSO READ: UK govt working with India for FTAs, says Cleverly

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Sunak reflects on his Indian heritage

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak going through his Budget speech inside his office at No11 Downing Street minutes before heading to the commons for his first Budget. Picture by Andrew Parsons / No 10 Downing Street

But the UK doesn’t have a monopoly on opportunity. Too much of the migration conversation is about how many Indians come to the UK…reports Asian Lite News

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak has opened up at length about his Indian heritage and growing up in Britain in a hard-working British Indian family at an awards ceremony celebrating Indian diaspora achievements across different fields.

The 42-year-old finance minister, born in the UK to National Health Service (NHS) general practitioner (GP) father Yashvir and pharmacist mother Usha, described the UK as a “rewarding karma bhoomi” where “someone like me can become Chancellor”.

He called for the India-UK relationship to look beyond the shared history to become a partnership of equals, where the brightest talent from both countries can travel back and forth to study and work.

“As the child and grandchild of immigrants, I can testify to the openness, fairness, and, yes, warmth, with which British society welcomes talented individuals who seek to contribute to our society and become a part of our communities,” said Sunak, in his speech at the UK-India Awards at Fairmont Windsor Park, near London, on Friday.

“So, if you want to build great businesses, undertake great science or create great art, the UK will be the most rewarding karma bhoomi you will find. But the UK doesn’t have a monopoly on opportunity. Too much of the migration conversation is about how many Indians come to the UK.

“This is a partnership of equals, so we need to make it easier for British students to study in India… I want to see us doing more to reinforce that ‘living bridge’, travelling in both directions between our countries,” he said.

Tracing his family’s roots back to his grandparents who moved from East Africa to the UK when his mother was just 15 years old, the senior Cabinet minister reflected upon his humble beginnings and working tirelessly for his family business.

“I didn’t grow up in a wealthy family. My overriding memory of childhood is how hard my parents worked,” he recalled.

“Dad was an National Health Service (NHS) General Practitioner (GP), and worked extra jobs, evenings, and weekends. Almost every night of my childhood, he worked until the early hours, writing up patient notes and referral letters. Mum owned a pharmacy – Sunak Pharmacy,” he said.

“Our life was built around the business. Out of school, I’d serve customers or do deliveries; help dispense medicines; do the bookkeeping. And every Sunday we’d pile into the car to clean the shop, all of us together, the whole family. It was a family business – that’s just what you do,” he shared.

Addressing the largely Indian diaspora gathering of parliamentarians, entrepreneurs and innovators at the annual awards organised by UK-headquartered India Global Forum (IGF) to celebrate the year’s highlights within the UK-India corridor, Sunak as the guest of honour said his family’s story resonates with the wider British Indian story as he thanked his own family for all their “sacrifices”.

“I learnt early on that family matters. Families nurture our children and teach them good conduct; support us, unconditionally; pass on culture, religion, and identity. No government could even begin to replicate the profound bond family forms,” said the minister, who was joined by wife Akshata Murty – the daughter of Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy.

The minister, an Oxford and Stanford University alumni who made history by lighting diyas on Diwali outside his 11 Downing Street home in November 2020, shared that he will be back at a childhood temple in Southampton for family prayer day this weekend.

He added: “Sixty years after my Naniji boarded a plane in East Africa, on a warm sunny evening in October, her great-grandaughters, my kids, played in the street outside our home, painted Rangoli on the doorstep, lit sparklers and diyas; had fun like so many other families on Diwali. Except the street was Downing St. And the door was the door to No 11.

“I’m incredibly proud of where I come from. It will always be an enormous part of who I am. And it brings me joy to live, and belong, in a country where, for all our faults, for all our challenges, someone like me can become Chancellor. Our task now is to make sure that’s not the end of the British Indian story, but the beginning.”

Touching upon UK-India relations and the ongoing free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations, the Chancellor highlighted financial services as a big opportunity that would help mobilise large amounts of capital from around the world for India’s economic growth.

“The flow of savings from the West to attractive investment opportunities in fast-growing India will be one of the defining movements of capital of our working lives,” he said.

Addressing Serum Institute of India (SII) CEO Adar Poonawalla directly at the awards, the minister hailed the Covishield partnership between the countries as a great example of joint India-UK innovation.

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