British parliamentary delegation arrives in India to discuss trade, research collaboration

New Delhi, Apr 10 (KNN) On Sunday, a UK parliamentary delegation has reached New Delhi which consists of the India (Trade & Investment) All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG).

The delegation is on a four-city tour to explore two-way trade and research and development collaborations.

With the backing of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), the cross-party delegation, being led by Indian-origin House of Lords peer Baroness Sandy Verma, are scheduled to hold meetings with senior ministers and business leaders.

The discussions come against the backdrop of the eighth round of negotiations between officials on both sides towards a free trade agreement (FTA). 

After a six-year gap this is the first parliamentary visit from the UK to India and will also cover Ahmedabad, Pune and Mumbai.

“As President of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on India (Trade & Investment), I am delighted to be co-leading this delegation,” said Verma.

“It is long overdue as the last Parliamentary delegation to India was six years ago. We are looking forward to engaging with senior Indian ministers to discuss matters ranging from the FTA to green technology, to gender inclusivity. Research and development is a key thematic area of the UK-India relationship and the delegation will explore further ways to enhance it. In particular, new university collaborations and opportunities for technology transfer,” she said. 

The India (Trade and Investment) APPG was created last year to coincide with the 75th anniversary of India's independence and is made up of 25 British members of Parliament and peers of different political affiliations.   (KNN Bureau)