India (Commonwealth Union)_ In recent years, the Indian diaspora in the United Kingdom has emerged as a pivotal force shaping bilateral relations between the UK and India. With a population of approximately 2 million people of Indian descent, their influence spans across political, economic, and cultural spheres, profoundly impacting both nations. Furthermore, the Indian diaspora in the UK, primarily Hindu and the third largest religion in England, numbers around 1.06 million, with significant electoral influence due to their population size. Moreover, Britain remains a preferred destination for Indian students pursuing higher education and professionals seeking employment, facilitating significant Indian migration.
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Role of Indian diaspora in UK politics
The political power of the Indian diaspora in the UK has been steadily rising. Accordingly, in the 2024 general elections, a record number of 108 British Indians contested for seats in the British Parliament, with a significant number winning seats under various party banners, predominantly Labour. This surge in representation underscores their growing role in shaping UK policies, especially concerning India. Additionally, the election of Rishi Sunak as the UK’s first non-white Prime Minister in 2022 symbolizes a significant milestone. Sunak, who openly identifies with his Hindu heritage, has not only broken barriers but also galvanized the Indian community’s political participation and aspirations within the UK.
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Role of Indian diaspora in economic contribution
Economically, the Indian diaspora in the UK is a powerhouse, with over 65,000 companies contributing substantially to the British economy. These businesses, including those led by prominent figures like the Hinduja brothers and Lakshmi Mittal, generate billions in revenue and employ hundreds of thousands of people. Their success underscores the community’s entrepreneurial spirit and its vital role in bolstering bilateral economic ties between India and the UK. Moreover, the Indian community’s substantial presence in professional sectors such as healthcare and education further enhances its societal impact and integration within British society. This community’s high employment rates and educational achievements highlight their significant contributions to various sectors of the UK economy.
Indian diaspora – a soft power to promote culture
Culturally, the Indian diaspora in the UK plays a crucial role in promoting India’s rich traditions and values. Organizations like the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha UK, Chinmaya Mission, and ISKCON UK are instrumental in preserving and promoting Hindu cultural heritage. Additionally, their advocacy efforts, including the formulation of the “Hindu Manifesto UK 2024,” reflect a unified voice advocating for issues ranging from religious freedoms to social welfare and education. The diaspora’s cultural influence extends beyond community advocacy to fostering cultural exchanges and understanding between India and the UK. This cultural diplomacy not only enriches bilateral relations but also enhances mutual understanding and respect.
Role of Indian diaspora in UK-India partnership and FTA
Looking ahead, the UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) holds immense promise for further strengthening bilateral ties. Both governments have expressed keen interest in finalizing the FTA, recognizing its potential to boost trade and investment flows between the two nations post-Brexit. The active involvement and support of the Indian diaspora in advocating for such agreements underscore their role as a bridge between the two nations.
The new UK government and Indian diaspora
Keir Starmer, a prominent human rights barrister and newly elected Prime Minister of Britain, emphasized a significant message following the Labour Party’s resounding victory over the Tories in the recent general elections. Starmer announced plans to reset relations not only within the UK but also between the Labour Party and India, aiming for a new strategic partnership and a Free Trade Agreement. During his campaign, he condemned “Hinduphobia” and actively supported Hindu voters through visits to temples. He pledged to free the Labour Party of any anti-India sentiments, with assurances from party chair Amelia Dodds that extremist views on India have been rooted out. Starmer’s agenda includes prioritizing visa negotiations and addressing immigration, a contentious issue in British politics. These statements underscore the profound importance of the Indian community and India itself to UK political leaders.
Furthermore, the Indian diaspora in the UK stands as a testament to the deep-rooted ties between India and the UK. Their growing influence across political, economic, and cultural domains not only enriches British society but also reinforces India’s standing as a global power. As both nations navigate a rapidly changing global landscape, the role of the Indian diaspora in fostering closer ties between the UK and India remains pivotal and promising. Overall, the transformative impact of the Indian diaspora in the evolving dynamics of UK-India relations highlights their multifaceted contributions to both nations.
