Honoring the Pravasi Bharatiyas in the UK

I congratulate fellow Indians, diaspora community and all well-wishers of India living in the UK on the 74th Independence Day of India.
Since 15th August 1947, India has emerged as a major global player in almost every field while remaining steadfast to the core values that bind the nation. Over the last 73 years, India has made huge strides in ensuring the economic and social wellbeing of its people whilst contributing to global peace, security and prosperity.
India and the United Kingdom have a unique and shared history and are Strategic Partners since 2004. Both countries seek to intensify their economic partnership, with bilateral trade of more than £24 billion. The recently held 14th India-UK Joint Economic and Trade Committee meeting has paved way for strengthening our trade and investment relationship in the post-Brexit period.
 
India is the second highest investor in the United Kingdom. The economic productivity that the Indian diaspora brings to the UK is exemplified by the fact that there are over 65,000 companies owned by Indian diaspora ere in the UK. Their combined revenue is £36.84 billion, they contribute over £1 billion in corporation tax, invested over £2 billion through capital expenditure and have created over 174,000 jobs.
 
I would like to put on record my sincere appreciation of the Indian community’s selfless efforts during the Covid-19, especially in assisting stranded fellow compatriots. Your dedication is noteworthy, as are your initiatives and enterprise that form the bulwark of the robust economic, social and cultural framework of relations that India and the UK celebrate.
 
Our successful co-operation in the most challenging circumstances during this pandemic demonstrated how well both India and the UK can work together for the benefit of our peoples. The ongoing collaboration between Oxford and Serum Institute of India for an affordable and accessible vaccine is just one example of our concerted joint efforts for a better world, in line with Prime Minister’s Modi’s vision of human-centric globalisation.
 
Let us strive towards greater prosperity while always remembering to help one another in the true Pravasi Bharatiya spirit. Jai Hind.