Stockport welcomes High Commissioner of India

His Excellency Vikram Doraiswami, the High Commissioner of India to the UK has made the first visit to the borough for an Indian High Commissioner.

The diplomat’s visit to the town was facilitated by Stockport MP Navendu Mishra as part of a wider tour of Greater Manchester to strengthen links between the city-region and India, organised by the Manchester India Partnership and inward investment agency, MIDAS. In 2021, the North-west exported over £350 million of goods to India, with a further £304 million set to be unlocked by a trade deal currently being negotiated by the UK government.

In Stockport, Mr Doraiswaimi visited a number of local businesses. The diplomat was given a tour of Christy Towels, owned by Indian parent company Welspun, among India’s fastest growing global conglomerates.

To commemorate the visit, the High Commissioner, a keen football fan, was gifted a framed Stockport County shirt along with a selection of local beers produced by family-run brewery, Robinsons, which has been brewing in the town since 1849.

Navendu Mishra MP commented:

“It was a pleasure to host the High Commissioner of India in Stockport. We discussed at great lengths the benefits a trade deal could bring to this region and His Excellency saw first-hand the international co-operation between our region and India, with our visit to Christy Towels.

“I hope this is the first of many visits moving forward.”

Following his visit to Stockport, the High Commissioner was hosted at a reception in Manchester city centre, attended by Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and representatives of the region’s British Indian community. Also as part of his visit to the city-region, Mr Doraiswaimi also visited the University of Manchester, which is becoming increasingly popular with Indian students looking to study overseas, as well as the Manchester Museum which next month will open a new gallery showcasing Greater Manchester’s links with India.

Greater Manchester Mayor, Andy Burnham said

“It was a real honour to welcome the Indian High Commissioner in the UK to Greater Manchester. India is a key partner for our city-region and the range of businesses and institutions we met with reflect the strength and significance of our relationship.

“Just last year the Manchester India Partnership launched a refreshed strategy which sets out how we plan to develop the relationship further, building on shared ambitions around trade, investment, education and tourism. The Partnership will continue to play a pivotal role as we look forward to strengthening ties with India.”

The High Commissioner of India in the UK, His Excellency Mr Vikram Doraiswami said:

“As a venue of innovation, industry and entrepreneurial energy, Manchester offers exciting partnerships for India. Over 30 Indian firms are already generating value, sustaining iconic brands, and sustaining local employment.

“This partnership is expected to grow in future as synergies in new fields like clean energy and green mobility emerge. That apart, the area will always have a special place for many Indians because of its iconic stadiums, cricket and football teams.”

Photo: Stockport MP Navendu Mishra (R) presents His Excellency Vikram Doraiswami, the High Commissioner of India (L) with a framed Stockport County shirt