Reviving the UK India business forum: strengthening economic ties

The forum, which had been inactive for some time, has been resurrected under the chairmanship of Keshav R Murugesh, the UK-based Group CEO of Mumbai-headquartered global business process management firm WNS.

The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has reactivated its UK India Business Forum (IBF) in London to facilitate the expansion of Indian businesses in Britain. Under the chairmanship of Keshav R Murugesh, the forum aims to foster knowledge sharing and best practices among Indian businesses in the UK.

Championing Collaboration and Joint Ventures

The re-launched UK IBF will address challenges faced by Indian businesses in the UK while promoting new joint ventures and partnerships between both countries. 

Murugesh emphasized the importance of cooperation in critical areas such as trade, investment, technology, innovation, and climate action.

Strategic Support and Advocacy

By collaborating with the UK government, local businesses, and academia, the UK IBF aims to strategically support Indian companies and promote ‘Brand India’ in the UK market. 

Indian High Commissioner to the UK, Vikram Doraiswami, will serve as a patron of the forum, highlighting its significance in leveraging opportunities within the India-UK corridor.

Value Proposition and Future Outlook

Doraiswami emphasized the extensive impact of the India-UK relationship across various sectors, from automotive to pharmaceuticals. He underscored the value of the UK IBF in bridging knowledge gaps, fostering business and investment, and leveraging core strengths such as openness and innovation.

Driving Bilateral Trade and Investment

Amidst ongoing free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations and escalating bilateral trade, the UK IBF emerges as a key platform to enhance economic ties. With Indian companies being the second-largest investors in the UK, the forum aims to further bolster bilateral trade, which currently exceeds GBP 38 billion annually.

The reactivation of the UK India Business Forum signifies a renewed commitment to fostering collaboration and strengthening economic relations between India and the UK, paving the way for mutually beneficial partnerships and opportunities for growth.