Latest news with #UK-India
India Gazette
11 hours ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
UK's MP Priti Patel meets Indian delegation, shares commitment to combat terrorism
London [UK], June 2 (ANI): Conservative Party's Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel on Monday expressed her pleasure after meeting with an all-party Indian parliamentary delegation, led by Bharatiya Janata Party MP Ravi Shankar Prasad, and stated that 'significant areas of discussion were covered.' In a diplomatic outreach following Operation Sindoor, the Modi government has formed seven multi-party delegations to inform nations about Pakistan's links to terrorism and India's strong message of zero tolerance for terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. In a post on X, Patel wrote, 'A pleasure to meet with a cross-party delegation of senior Indian MPs @HCI_London.' 'Significant areas of discussion covered our shared determination to combatting terrorism, to UK-India defence and security links, our economic ties and the living bridge between our two countries,' she aded. Earlier, the High Commission of India in London shared the picture of the meeting and wrote, The All-Party Parliamentary Delegation met with Shadow Foreign Secretary @pritipatel and her team to share India's firm resolve in combating cross-border terrorism. They also highlighted how #OperationSindoor exemplifies the new normal set by India in this ongoing effort.' The Indian delegation, led by Ravi Shankar Prasad, includes BJP MP Daggubati Purandeswari, Samik Bhattacharya, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi, Congress MPs Ghulam Ali Khatana and Amar Singh, former Union Minister MJ Akbar, and former Ambassador Pankaj Saran. Earlier, the all-party delegation interacted with the Indian diaspora at India House in London. During the interaction, the Members of Parliament reaffirmed India's united stance and unwavering commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms. While interacting with the Indian diaspora in London, Ravi Shankar Prasad said that Pakistan is not a 'democratic country' and added that Pakistan's armed forces have made the country for themselves and are 'unelectable and unaccountable.' Highlighting the example of Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff, General Asim Munir, whom he said was 'defeated in the field' but promoted to Field Marshal, Prasad drew parallels with former military rulers like Ayub Khan. Prasad said, 'What is the problem of Pakistan? The problem with Pakistan is that it is not a democratic country. 'Muhammad Ali Jinnah ne banaya Pakistan, wo ban gaya Generals ki dukaan, that is the situation of Pakistan. The second thing, very important, is people, leaders make the country. There, Pakistan armed forces have made a country for themselves, unelectable, not accountable, not popular sanction, but they seized power. Ayub Khan field marshal for 10 years. Mr Yahya Khan for seven and a half years, Mr Zia ul Haq for eleven years, General Musharraf for nine years.' Further, he also mentioned how 9/11 mastermind Osama bin Laden was caught in Pakistan. He said that the terrorists who hijacked the plane to rescue Masood Azhar had been killed and Masood Azhar's family members were also killed by the Indian Armed Forces under Operation Sindoor. Notably, seven all-party delegations are taking part in various outreach programmes in their countries they are assigned to. The delegation aims to brief international partners on India's response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and its broader fight against cross-border terrorism. Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7 as a decisive military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack by Pak-sponsored terrorists in which 26 people were killed. Indian Armed Forces targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, leading to the death of over 100 terrorists affiliated with terror outfits like the Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen. The seven group of delegations will visit Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Algeria, the UK, France, Germany, the EU, Italy, Denmark, Indonesia, Malaysia, Korea, Japan, Singapore, the UAE, Liberia, Congo, Sierra Leone, the US, Panama, Guyana, Brazil, Colombia, Spain, Greece, Slovenia, Latvia, Russia, Egypt, Qatar, Ethiopia, and South Africa. (ANI)
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
IndiGo joins forces with Delta, Air France-KLM, and Virgin Atlantic to boost India-Europe-US connectivity
IndiGo, Delta Air Lines , Air France-KLM , and Virgin Atlantic have tied up to enhance connectivity between India, Europe, and North America. The alliance will connect IndiGo's domestic network with Delta's U.S. and transatlantic routes, Air France-KLM's European and North American reach, and Virgin Atlantic's U.K. and transatlantic presence, the companies said in a joint statement Sunday. 'It's an enormous opportunity for customers from different airlines to connect to the incredibly strong networks we have here in India by IndiGo, in Europe by Air France, KLM, and Virgin, and across the Atlantic with Delta. Looking at where the growth of India is and where the economy goes, we believe the opportunity of this is just immense,'Pieter Elbers, CEO of IndiGo, said in the statement. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Play War Thunder now for free War Thunder Play Now Undo Ed Bastian, CEO of Delta Air Lines, he looked forward to restarting direct service from the U.S. to India in the near future. Benjamin Smith, CEO of Air France-KLM, said, 'We currently serve three cities, with a fourth set to come online soon. We look forward to further strengthening our cooperation through Amsterdam to our network of 320 destinations worldwide.' Live Events Virgin Atlantic CEO Shai Weiss said that the UK-India market has 4.5 million passengers per year, and the US-India market 7 million passengers per year. 'Considering the size of the population and economic growth, the sky is the limit. There's tremendous opportunity for all of us to cooperate.' Once regulatory approvals are complete, IndiGo customers will be able to book connecting flights operated by partner airlines under IndiGo's 6E marketing code. This will include KLM flights from Amsterdam to 30 European destinations, Delta and KLM flights from Amsterdam to the U.S. and Canada, and Virgin Atlantic flights from Manchester to the U.S. IndiGo plans to expand its long-haul fleet with six leased Boeing 787 aircraft this year and has a firm order for 60 Airbus A350-900s. Delta intends to resume nonstop Atlanta-Delhi service, subject to government approval. The partnership framework also covers collaboration in loyalty programs, cargo, sales, aircraft maintenance, sustainability, training, and ground handling, pending regulatory clearances.
Deccan Herald
6 days ago
- Business
- Deccan Herald
India-UK FTA will make Scotch whiskies more competitively priced: Pernod Ricard India
Terming the UK-India FTA as 'a positive step forward for both the industry and consumers', Pernod Ricard India (PRI) said it will improve access to premium Scotch whiskies in the country.
India Gazette
6 days ago
- Business
- India Gazette
University of Liverpool announces its first India campus in Bengaluru; Minister MB Patil says,
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], May 27 (ANI): The University of Liverpool, part of the UK's prestigious Russell Group, on Tuesday marked its plans to open Bengaluru's first Foreign University campus by 2026, a release said. The event with senior dignitaries from the Government of Karnataka, including Chief Minister of Karnataka Siddaramaiah, welcomed a new chapter in UK-India higher education collaboration. The announcement was a celebration of cross-border collaboration and was marked by the presence of several senior ministers who welcomed the University to Bengaluru. The event witnessed the presence of MC Sudhakar, Minister for Higher Education; Dinesh Gundu Rao, Minister for Health & Family Welfare; and MB Patil, Minister for Large & Medium Industries and Infrastructure Development, each representing the state's unified vision to position Karnataka as a hub for world-class learning. Speaking to reporters after the event, Karnataka Minister MB Patil said, 'Bengaluru is a global city, being the Silicon Valley of India. We are pioneers in private professional colleges. The journey started with Manipal and all other institutions. Now we are getting all the top foreign universities in the Global 500 to Bengaluru.' 'This will further enhance Bengaluru's global image. With institutions like the Indian Institute of Science, ISRO, DRDO and it is a great leap forward for Bengaluru, so if all foreign universities come and establish their set-ups over here, our children who want to go to various countries for studies can have the same advantage in Bengaluru...' he said. According to a release, the new Bengaluru campus will be grounded in the university's research-intensive culture and internationally recognised academic standards. It will also serve as a catalyst for deepening partnerships with Karnataka's dynamic innovation ecosystem, connecting students and researchers to emerging industry needs in both India and the UK. The initial set of programmes will include Business Management, Accounting and Finance, Computer Science, Biomedical Sciences, and Game Design, offered for the first time by a UK university campus in India. A broader portfolio of disciplines is expected to be added in subsequent phases. Professor Tim Jones, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Liverpool, said, 'We are proud to take this significant step in our long-standing relationship with India by opening a world-class campus in Bengaluru. The state of Karnataka's reputation as a knowledge and technology powerhouse makes it an ideal home for the University's campus in India. We are committed to delivering transformative education and research in partnership with local communities, institutions and industries.' In line with its commitment to building industry-academic partnerships, Professor Tariq Ali, Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Global Engagements and Partnerships, University of Liverpool, added that the University also signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Bengaluru-headquartered IT giant Wipro Limited, as well as Axis Bank and TiE Bangalore. Welcoming the University's entry into Karnataka, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said, 'Karnataka has always been at the forefront of education and innovation. The University of Liverpool's decision to set up its first foreign campus in Bengaluru reinforces our status as a global knowledge destination. We welcome them wholeheartedly and are committed to extending all support to make this venture a grand success.' Chandru Iyer, British Deputy High Commissioner in Bengaluru, said: 'The UK and India have made a commitment to refresh and deepen our partnership to deliver even more for both countries. Our expanded partnership will deliver iconic, forward-looking collaborations in diverse areas such as AI and semiconductors, higher education campuses, and green energy initiatives. The announcement of Liverpool University opening a campus in Bengaluru is both evidence and a celebration of the UK-India partnership.' He added: 'The Technology Security Initiative, announced in July 2024, will deliver crucial collaboration on telecoms innovation and unlock investment across emerging technologies. Furthermore, the UK-India FTA announced recently that it delivers on the UK government's core mission of growing the economy, raising living standards, and putting money in people's pockets.' Minister for Large & Medium Industries and Infrastructure Development, MB Patil, stated, 'The University of Liverpool choosing Karnataka for its first overseas campus reflects our state's growing global stature as a hub for both industry and intellect. This collaboration will drive deeper ties between academia and sectors like electronics, aerospace, and biotechnology--through joint research, internships, and curriculum design. It will also benefit MSMEs and startups by opening access to world-class mentorship and innovation platforms.' The University already enjoys robust collaborations in Karnataka, including a 20-year research partnership with the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), which has helped inform World Health Organisation vaccine policies, saving over 200,000 lives. Ongoing engagements with institutions such as the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru and corporate partners like Hindustan Unilever further highlight the University's longstanding commitment to the state. Alongside the campus launch, the University's leadership is exploring broader partnerships with Indian enterprises and global organisations to fuel innovation, entrepreneurship and upskilling. These efforts are set to create impactful opportunities for both domestic and international students. With the new Bengaluru campus to be operational by 2026, the University of Liverpool aims to bring globally recognised UK education to Indian students, strengthen academic-industry partnerships, and contribute to Karnataka's ambition of becoming an international hub for learning and innovation. (ANI)
Hindustan Times
26-05-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Gender equality key feature in FTAs
India's free trade agreements with the United Kingdom (UK) and the European Union (EU) will have specific provisions for women's economic empowerment through around $500 billion in trade opportunities these FTAs would unlock by 2030, people aware of the development said on Sunday. While the India-UK FTA has a dedicated chapter on gender equality, the ongoing negotiations of another free trade deal between India and the EU will have specific provisions related to gender equality and economic empowerment of women, they said, requesting anonymity. After having announced a landmark bilateral free trade deal with the UK on May 6, New Delhi is on the verge of finalising an early harvest deal with the 27-member European Union. While returning from the US after completing a week-long visit, Union commerce minister Piyush Goyal stopped over Brussels to meet EU trade commissioner Maroš Šefčovič, signifying the pace of the ongoing bilateral negotiations. In a post on X, Šefčovič on May 23 welcomed Goyal and said: 'We continue to make progress. Let's maintain the momentum - with hard work, clear focus - and I look forward to our next meeting soon.' This is sign of positive progress in talks between India and the EU 'Although India's FTA with the UK has a separate chapter on gender equality, India and the EU are negotiating gender equality and equal opportunities provided for women in relation to trade under the chapter of trade and sustainable development,' one person said. While announcing the conclusion of an India-UK free trade deal on May 6, an UK government official highlighted gender equality as one of the key features and said in a statement: 'We have championed our values – securing India's first ever chapters on anti-corruption, consumer protections, labour rights, gender, and development.' 'This chapter will enhance the opportunities for women to access the full benefits of the UK-India FTA. It will also advance women's economic empowerment and promote gender equality through trade,' the UK government said in an updated statement on May 15. 'This chapter will create the space for the UK and India to work together to support women business owners, entrepreneurs, and workers to fully access and benefit from the opportunities created by this agreement,' it said. Women's economic empowerment is a growth enabler, which is at the heart of the UK government's agenda. Through enabling women to fully engage in trade and the economy, countries can realise their potential and boost economic growth. If gender parity in the global economy is achieved, it could add trillions of dollars to global GDP, it added. 'As trade plays a pivotal role in driving growth and prosperity, increasing the participation of women in the labour market would, according to the World Bank, increase a country's productivity and GDP, creating jobs and leading to greater economic diversification, innovation and poverty reduction,' it added. Similarly, the EU and India are striving to achieve an 'inclusive' trade deal, a second person said. 'Benefits of FTA must contribute to advancing women's economic empowerment and gender equality, in line with SDG [sustainable development goal] of the United Nations 2030 agenda. Both sides acknowledge the contribution made by women to economic growth through their participation in business and trade activities,' he said. The inclusion of gender equality in FTAs would entail creation of some appropriate institutional mechanisms to assess the impact of the trade deal on women's economic empowerment and based on that necessary measures would be taken to achieve the gender justice, the people mentioned above said. The India-UK FTA, which is currently undergoing legal scrubbing and is expected to be enforced in a year, is expected to double bilateral trade to over $120 billion by 2030. India's bilateral trade in goods and services with the EU is currently around $190 billion and is expected to double by 2030 after the two partners signed an FTA.
