Britain’s communities secretary James Brokenshire, begins a three-day visit to India on Thursday (4) to promote business and technology ties between the Midlands and the growing Asian economic powerhouse.
The secretary of state, who is also the government’s Midlands Engine champion, will bring together senior British and Indian officials and businesses to re-affirm a commitment to the Midlands-Maharashtra technology partnership.
The partnership is a regional element of the UK-India technology partnership announced by British prime minister Theresa May and Indian prime minister Narendra Modi in April.
Together the UK and Indian governments commit to increasing partnerships in technology through the industry, government, science and research, and by fostering trade and investment opportunities in both directions.
Brokenshire said, “the Midlands and Maharashtra are thriving tech hubs in their own right, and by bringing these two great regions together we are strengthening our technological and economic ties to the benefit of our people and businesses.”
The secretary of state will begin engagements in New Delhi to hold talks with British high commissioner to India Dominic Asquith, minister for Heavy Industries and Public Sector Enterprises Anant G Geete, and Jaitley.
In December, Delhi will play host to the India-UK FutureTech Festival. The festival is a thought-leadership summit which will bring together business, policymakers, venture capital, scientists and entrepreneurs.
It will drive trade, investment and partnerships across key sectors, and promote and celebrate the UK and India as major technology innovators and trading partners.
Bobby Bawa
