MUMBAI: United Kingdom (UK) Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, alongside leading business figures, institutions and charities were honoured by the India Business Group (IBG) at the UK–India ‘Living Bridge’ Awards for championing closer ties with the Indian subcontinent this week. The UK House of Lords hosted the annual gala recognising pioneers in business, trade, education, culture and innovation between the UK and India.
PM Starmer said he was honoured to be recognised by the IBG award judges. He expressed his hope that the trade deal would unlock new business opportunities. Seema Malhotra MP, Minister of the Indo Pacific and Minister for Equalities accepted the award on behalf of the PM at the event.
Harjinder Kang, His Majesty's Trade Commissioner for South Asia and Deputy High Commissioner for Western India based in Mumbai, and one of this year’s judges, said, “I was greatly impressed by the quality and diversity of entries during the judging process, which reflected the growing dynamism of the UK–India corridor, exemplified by the signing of the landmark Free Trade Agreement in July this year. Once the FTA comes into effect, we can expect a significant boost to trade and investment ties that will help businesses unlock many opportunities, accelerating growth across both economies.”
This was the fourth edition of the Indian Awards that celebrated the enduring “Living Bridge” between India and the UK. Earlier this year, the signing of the landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the two countries cemented that historic relationship. The UK–India trade deal has provided a significant boost to a relationship already generating substantial growth. Total trade between the UK and India reached more than £44 billion in the four quarters leading to Q1 2025, marking a 10.1 per cent increase.
“The UK and India are connected through a special umbilical cord of shared history, shared cultures and shared languages,” said Professor Lord Patel of Bradford, chairman of IBG and of the judging panel. “These awards celebrate individuals and organisations that fuel our shared prosperity and embody what Prime Minister Narendra Modi has described as the special friendship between our two countries.”
“We champion those who drive this special relationship forward,” said Amarjit Singh, CEO of the IBG and founder of the Awards . “This platform gives invaluable insights into new investment opportunities, empowering the next generation of UK–India business leaders and cementing our bond in this historic new era of trade.”
A spokesperson from Downing Street added, “This deal will assist businesses to trade with India with confidence and security – taking advantage of the huge opportunities offered by the complementary nature of the two economies and India’s rapid growth. The core mission of this government is to deliver economic growth that raises living standards and puts money in people’s pockets, and that is exactly what this deal will do.”
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