Diaspora (Commonwealth Union) _ London: A unique celebration marking India’s 76th year of independence was held at the UK Parliament complex with the support of cross-party members and the India (Trade and Investment) All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG). The 1928 Institute, a British Indian think tank, organized a special roundtable discussion titled ‘India and the Indo-Pacific’ with the High Commissioners of India, Bangladesh, Australia, Canada, Nepal, and others, prior to a reception at the House of Lords’ River Room.
The keynote address was delivered by Leader of the Opposition, Sir Keir Starmer, who emphasized the Labour Party’s commitment to strengthening India-UK relations. Starmer acknowledged the significance of the event, stating that it was the first time such a celebration had taken place in Parliament. He pledged to continue building on the internationalist principles that led to India’s independence and to work closely with India on the global stage. Starmer also reiterated his commitment to the Indian diaspora and vowed to take action against anti-India racism.
Baroness Sandy Verma, President of the India (Trade and Investment) APPG, highlighted the event’s importance in celebrating the achievements of the bilateral relationship since India’s independence. Lord Karan Bilimoria, co-chair of the APPG, called for more frequent parliamentary delegations to India and emphasized the need for a major British trade delegation under the leadership of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
Ministers from the Sunak-led government, including Trade Minister Nigel Huddleston and Foreign Office Minister for the Indo-Pacific Anne-Marie Trevelyan, were in attendance. Indian High Commissioner to the UK, Vikram Doraiswami, spoke about the immense potential of the India-UK partnership and the importance of looking forward rather than dwelling on the past. He also praised the Indian diaspora as a model community that has contributed to the success and pride of both countries.
The 1928 Institute organized the event to commemorate the sacrifice of the generation of Indians who fought for independence. While this was the first celebration of its kind at the UK Parliament complex, it is expected to become an annual event in the parliamentary calendar leading up to India’s Independence Day on August 15.
