Strategic Engagement with Ahmedabad, Mumbai & Bengaluru
The West Midlands region of the United Kingdom has launched a high-level trade and partnership mission to India, positioning 2026 as a defining year following the historic UK–India Free Trade Agreement signed in 2025.
Led by Mayor Richard Parker, the delegation aims to strengthen economic, educational, innovation, and cultural partnerships across India’s fastest-growing cities.
The official delegation is visiting three major Indian economic hubs:
Focus on infrastructure collaboration, urban transformation, and Commonwealth Games 2030 legacy discussions as India prepares to host the centenary edition of the Games.
Engagement with financial institutions, trade leaders, and investors to promote bilateral investment opportunities under the new FTA framework.
Technology, AI, future of work, and innovation partnerships form the core focus, leveraging both regions’ strengths in advanced manufacturing and digital industries.
Universities and business leaders from the West Midlands are participating to build long-term institutional partnerships in education, research, and clean energy collaboration.
A special event titled “The Commonwealth Legacy” is scheduled in Ahmedabad, linking the West Midlands’ experience of hosting major sporting events with India’s preparations for the 2030 Commonwealth Games.
The mission reflects deep people-to-people ties between the UK and India, particularly the strong Indian-origin community within the West Midlands region.
Strengthening exports, manufacturing collaboration, and technology exchange under the UK–India FTA.
Encouraging two-way capital flows and startup partnerships between India and the UK.
Building university collaborations and student mobility programs across both regions.
Positioning both regions as international hubs for innovation, sport, and sustainable urban development.