WELSH first minister, Mark Drakeford, has announced a new Welsh and India economic initiative during the Indian government Diwali event in Cardiff, according to a statement.
The Year of Wales in India 2024 plans to create greater economic and cultural ties between the two countries, the statement added.
The official launch will take place in India around St David’s Day (1 March 2024) and other events are planned in Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru, Drakeford said at the event at Glamorgan Cricket club in Pontcanna.
Welsh health minister, Baroness Eluned Morgan, economy minister, Vaughan Gething and deputy high commissioner, Sujit Ghosh have attended the celebrations which was organised by Indian honorary consul Raj Aggarwal.
Raj Aggarwal speaks during the event (Photo: HUW JOHN, CARDIFF)
"We are looking forward to organising several events in India next year to build even stronger links between our two nations. The main themes for these meetings will include trade and investment, education, culture and health. This is a great opportunity to consolidate our relationships to ensure greater cooperation in the coming years," said Aggarwal.
"There are currently over 2,200 Indian students studying at Welsh Universities, an increase of over 200 per cent since 2016, which brings in around £200 million of revenue to our educational establishments. I myself was a graduate of Cardiff University and I owe so much to the education I received in this country."
The Diwali celebration was attended by hundreds of guests and included traditional Indian music, dance and food. Representatives from major Indian companies in Wales and some Indian start-ups have also participated.
Dignitaries and officials gather on stage
Attendees fill the hall for the celebration
John Denham