New Delhi, Jun 22 (KNN) Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw is set to make his international debut at the annual India Global Forum (IGF) in London, commencing Monday.

Vaishnaw, recently reappointed as Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, Electronics & IT, will deliver a virtual address outlining the Modi government's priorities and opportunities for global participation in India's development initiative.

The week-long event occurs at a significant juncture, following India's general election and amid the UK's campaign for its July 4 poll.

Lord Tariq Ahmad, UK Foreign Office Minister for South Asia, will present the Conservative government's perspective on bilateral relations.

In a display of bipartisanship, Opposition shadow foreign secretary David Lammy is scheduled to share his vision for UK-India strategic ties under a potential Labour government.

Manoj Ladwa, Founder and Chairman, IGF, emphasised the forum's role as a catalyst for ideas and collaborations, stating, "As we enter a new era in UK-India relations, we need new ideas not just for these two nations, but for global partners."

Key topics for discussion include the currently stalled free trade agreement negotiations and the 2030 Roadmap for UK-India relations.

The forum will also feature sessions on women's empowerment in India, with former minister Smriti Irani scheduled to speak on government initiatives in this area.

Business opportunities in India will be explored by experts including Kiran Mazumdar Shaw of Biocon and Sanjeev Sanyal, Member of the Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council, among others.

The IGF London aims to leverage the unique shared values and strengths of the UK-India relationship to address global challenges and foster international cooperation.

(KNN Bureau)