BHOPAL: The United Kingdom Chapter of Friends of Madhya Pradesh (FOMP UK) — a group comprising over five thousand families — is making a fervent appeal to the state government to spearhead a feasibility study for establishing a new air route between Madhya Pradesh (MP) and the UK.
The initiative comes on the heels of Air India's recent launch of new routes connecting the UK to Kochi and Goa, which primarily target the tourism sector.
FOMP UK contends that MP has the potential to offer a combination of tourism and business opportunities, and its diaspora in the UK surpasses that of Kerala and Goa.
The organization recently hosted an interaction with the governor of Madhya Pradesh in the UK, during which it formally submitted the request.
The association has also shared images and letters documenting this pivotal meeting with both the Governor and the Chief Minister.
FOMP UK, acting as a vital link between the central Indian diaspora in the UK and the culturally diverse state of Madhya Pradesh, was founded during the governor's visit to the UK in 2016.
Since its inception, the organization has maintained a partnership with the overseas Indians department, government of Madhya Pradesh, dedicated to advancing the interests of the state on the global stage.
Over the years, FOMP UK has gathered feedback from families and businesses regarding air connectivity between the UK and Madhya Pradesh.
Through extensive research and analysis, they have formulated compelling arguments in favor of enhancing this connectivity, say the organisation.
“Enhanced air connectivity between the UK and Madhya Pradesh holds vast potential. It would not only position Madhya Pradesh as a prominent hub for business, culture, religion, education, and tourism on the global stage but also serve mainland Europe effectively, given the UK's robust connectivity to the continent. Furthermore, the connection could potentially extend to destinations in the United States, such as New York,” they say.
With an impending Free Trade Agreement between India and the UK, Madhya Pradesh stands to benefit significantly, offering a conducive environment for UK businesses to establish local offices.
The agreement is expected to double the current Bharat-UK trade, which stands at approximately 30 billion GBP, by 2030.
FOMP UK's research indicates that connectivity plays a pivotal role in selecting destinations for partnerships and investments.
Madhya Pradesh boasts a rich educational and research heritage, home to prestigious institutions such as IIMs and IITs, along with well-established universities, engineering, and medical institutes.
In contrast, the UK is a global hub for education and research, with institutions like Cambridge, Oxford, and UCL leading the way.
Establishing direct air connectivity could unlock substantial potential for collaboration between educational and research institutes in both regions.
Additionally, it would facilitate the flow of students from Madhya Pradesh to the UK for higher education, says the application.
FOMP UK acknowledges that while most startups currently originate in states like Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Telangana, Madhya Pradesh holds significant potential for entrepreneurship.
Direct flight connectivity to cities like Indore and Bhopal could support entrepreneurs in the state and provide them access to global markets.
Moreover, Madhya Pradesh's rich heritage, wildlife, and spirituality make it an attractive destination for tourism.
Establishing direct air connectivity is crucial for unlocking this tourism potential, which can significantly boost the state's economy and employment.
FOMP UK has sought the government's support in establishing a dedicated group or task force to assess the feasibility of enhancing air connectivity between the UK and Madhya Pradesh.
They propose initiating discussions with international airlines to conduct feasibility studies or surveys on air connectivity.
FOMP UK is committed to collaborating closely with government authorities to build a compelling case for this vital initiative.
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