Catherine West, the UK's Minister for the Indo-Pacific, has emphasized the UK's commitment to enhancing ties with India during her official visit. Climate change, technology, health, education,
and development feature prominently on the agenda as the minister works to deepen the bilateral relationship between the two nations.
During her two-day visit, Minister West is scheduled to meet senior Indian officials and ministers, aiming to further develop the "living bridge" that uniquely connects the UK and India. This bridge, symbolized by the 1.7 million people of Indian heritage in the UK, continues to underpin cultural and economic connections between the countries.
Building on the goals set during UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly’s visit in July, Minister West seeks to unlock the full potential of the UK-India partnership, fostering shared prosperity and growth. Her engagements include discussions at the Ministry of External Affairs in Delhi, where she will reiterate the UK's dedication to strengthening ties and celebrate the enduring people-to-people links that enhance bilateral relations.
The minister is also expected to emphasize the UK's commitment to finalizing a mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement and Bilateral Investment Treaty, which are key priorities for both nations.
Speaking ahead of her visit, Minister Catherine West remarked: “I am delighted to be visiting India for the first time as Minister for the Indo-Pacific. As one of the fastest growing economies in the world, India is a vital partner.
My visit reaffirms the UK’s commitment to fostering deeper cooperation with India and to driving forward greater growth and prosperity for both our nations”.
As part of her itinerary, Minister West will attend an education roundtable at the British Council, exploring the role of education in strengthening the UK-India relationship. She will also engage with cultural heritage by visiting Delhi’s Jama Masjid to learn about its history and architectural significance.
This visit to India follows Minister West’s two-day trip to Bangladesh, where she expressed the UK’s continued support for efforts to foster a prosperous and democratic future in the country.
Minister West’s engagements highlight the UK's broader strategy of bolstering relationships with key Indo-Pacific partners, positioning both nations to address shared global challenges and seize emerging opportunities. Photo by Chris McAndrew, Wikimedia commons.