UK’s Minister of State for South Asia, Lord Tariq Ahmad, arrived in India on Saturday for a four-day visit aimed at bolstering science, research, and innovation partnerships. This visit signifies the UK’s commitment to strengthening ties in these areas on a global scale.
According to the Foreign Office, enhancing the UK-India relationship is a crucial aspect of the UK’s long-term foreign policy, particularly within the context of its enduring engagement in the Indo-Pacific region, as outlined in the Integrated Review, as reported by PTI.
Lord Ahmad emphasised the unique bond between the UK and India, highlighting the “living bridge” that connects the two nations and their people. He expressed his enthusiasm for deepening collaboration in science and technology, bringing forth new innovations for the benefit of both countries. This collaborative effort builds upon the 2030 Roadmap for India-UK future relations.
The visit comes at a time when India and the UK are negotiating a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which is expected to enhance their current trading relationship valued at GBP 36 billion in 2022. The 10th round of FTA talks is scheduled to commence on June 5 in New Delhi.
Notably, Lord Ahmad’s visit to Rajasthan holds special significance as it will be his first trip to Jodhpur, his mother’s birthplace, since assuming the role of Minister for South Asia. During his time in Rajasthan, Lord Ahmad will visit the iconic Mehrangarh Fort and engage with emerging women leaders to discuss education, sustainability, and gender equality, showcasing the region’s rich cultural heritage.
In New Delhi, Lord Ahmad will launch the ‘English Skills for Youth’ program, a joint initiative developed by the British Council and Microsoft India. This program aims to enhance global employment opportunities for Indian youth, especially young women. Additionally, he will announce the winners of the UK-India Health-Tech Boot Camp, which recognizes and supports health-tech innovations from India.
Christina Scott, Acting British High Commissioner to India, highlighted the invaluable partnership between the UK and India. She emphasised the deepening collaboration in various sectors, including health, climate, trade, education, science and technology, and defence, in line with the UK-India Roadmap 2030. Scott also noted the opportunity for the UK and India to work together in addressing global challenges during India’s Presidency of the G20.
Concluding his visit in Hyderabad, Lord Ahmad will explore science and technology innovations through visits to T-Hub and T-Works. These establishments serve as a technology start-up incubator, prototyping facility, and part of the world’s largest innovation campus. He will also visit the National Institute of Animal Biotechnology and engage with Indian alumni of Chevening, the UK’s flagship international scholarship program, to discuss further potential for collaboration in science and technology.
Lord Tariq Ahmad’s visit to India underscores the UK’s dedication to nurturing and expanding partnerships in science, research, and innovation. It signifies the importance of the UK-India relationship and the shared commitment to addressing global challenges through collaborative efforts.
