U.K. parliamentary delegation to discuss trade, research ties in India

The tour by the British parliamentary delegation, which will also cover Ahmedabad, Pune and Mumbai, marks a parliamentary visit from the U.K. to India after a six-year gap.

A British parliamentary delegation made up of India (Trade & Investment) All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) will arrive in New Delhi on April 9 for a four-city tour to explore two-way trade and research and development collaborations.

The cross-party delegation, being led by Indian-origin House of Lords peer Baroness Sandy Verma, are scheduled to hold meetings with senior ministers and business leaders with the backing of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).

The discussions come against the backdrop of the eighth round of negotiations between officials on both sides towards a free trade agreement (FTA).

The tour, which will also cover Ahmedabad, Pune and Mumbai, marks a parliamentary visit from the U.K. to India after a six-year gap.

“As President of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on India (Trade & Investment), I am delighted to be co-leading this delegation,” said Ms. Verma.

“It is long overdue as the last Parliamentary delegation to India was six years ago. We are looking forward to engaging with senior Indian ministers to discuss matters ranging from the FTA to green technology, to gender inclusivity. Research and development is a key thematic area of the U.K.-India relationship and the delegation will explore further ways to enhance it. In particular, new university collaborations and opportunities for technology transfer,” she said.

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