British High Commission in India

Did you know that in the year ending June 2024, Indian nationals were the largest group to receive UK visas for Visit, Study and Work categories? The sheer volume of UK visa applications we receive in India is a symbol of the thriving partnership between our countries. And we have continued to deliver the vast majority of those thousands of applications within promised times! Now we’re going even further with significant improvements to the UK’s already strong and efficient visa service in India - making it even easier and faster for you to visit your loved ones in the UK. Here’s how:

Minister for the Indo-Pacific Catherine West visited New Delhi, the bustling heart of the world’s largest democracy. From climate to tech, and from health to education, Minister West reiterated the UK’s commitment to fostering deeper cooperation with India and to driving forward greater growth and prosperity for both our nations.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Prime Minister Narendra Modi met at the #G20, announcing their shared ambition for the UK-India partnership. Both leaders agreed to take forward an ambitious UK-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to take the relationship to new heights in trade and investment, security and defence, technology, climate, health and education. As part of this, they agreed to relaunch UK-India trade talks early next year.

What if your classroom was a pit stop for innovation? The British Council and Formula 1 have launched the ‘Learning Sectors’ programme designed to bring the fast-paced world of Formula 1 into schools and inspire young people around the world to explore science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).     Students from 130 Indian schools will get a hands-on experience working on F1 inspired STEM projects throughout their school year. This unique experience will not only enhance their skills but also provide an opportunity to collaborate with peers from around the world, opening doors to a world of opportunities.    Read more: https://lnkd.in/g6XDpUrr 

Breaking barriers and creating opportunities, that's the driving force behind #Chevening alumnus Raju Kendre’s work with Eklavya India Foundation .     Since founding Eklavya in 2017, Raju has been tirelessly working to make higher education accessible to first-generation university students from marginalised communities. With a bold goal to impact 20,000 students and their families by 2030, he is determined to equip young learners with the resources and support they need to succeed, transform their lives and impact societies. Kudos to you, Raju!    The Chevening Awards programme in India is the largest in the world, benefiting over 3,800 scholars and fellows since 1983. 

Thirty talented students from Karnataka’s public universities are setting off on a life-changing journey to the University of East London, as part of the GREAT Scholars for Outstanding Undergraduate Talent (SCOUT) programme. This unique immersion programme, powered by the British Council, gives students the chance to experience world-class academic practices in sustainable development, entrepreneurship, and critical thinking.     Our best to these young leaders and newest members of the UK-India #LivingBridge.

We’re putting growth and sustainability at the heart of our science and technology partnership. As part of the UK-India Net Zero Innovation Centre, we announced the winner of Tata Steel’s Sprint to Zero challenge, which supports the development of cost-effective green hydrogen technologies that can help countries in their efforts to decarbonise.     Chennai-based startup Carbyne Energy Technologies Pvt Ltd won £40,000 funding for its alkaline-based galvanic cell hydrogen electrolyser technology. In plain speak, this innovation will help create a commercially viable system that can be used in any industry to deliver low-cost green hydrogen both in the UK and India.      By promoting start-ups like Carbyne, the UK and India are delivering on their joint commitment to drive innovation for meaningful change. 

What does the role of a diplomat working in the area of science and tech in India involve? Our ‘outgoing’ Regional Director of Science and Innovation says that it's sort of like being a time traveller. Constantly looking into the future to see what's possible. As she prepares to depart Incredible India after a little over 5 years, Sarah takes us on a trip down memory lane, highlighting some of her proudest moments advancing the UK-India science and tech partnership. Fun fact: Sarah and her team of magicians have not only worked on the Covishield vaccine but also on the discovery of a new sea creature! Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office World Health Organization University of Oxford Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs NHS England NHS Serum Institute of India Pvt. Ltd. Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office - Research, Science and Innovation

Looking for a leadership opportunity in international trade and investment? The Department for Business and Trade is looking for a dynamic, high-calibre individual to join the team in Mumbai. This role is crucial in helping us not only retain the UK’s top spot as a destination for Indian investment but also to shape and drive the future of our inward investment strategy.    Apply now: https://lnkd.in/g7KbJajz  

Congratulations to India on hosting the first #ITUWTSA in the Asia-Pacific region. In today’s interconnected world, cyber threats know no borders. By working together, sharing expertise, and focussing on locally driven, sustainable solutions, we can safeguard the digital future of the #Commonwealth and ensure technology remains a positive force for good.    Since 2018, the UK has invested over £20 million, delivering over 140 events in 32 countries and training over 6,000 people, across the Commonwealth. For over 150 years, the UK has been an active member of the International Telecommunication Union. The UK is committed to securing an internet environment which supports democratic values, growth and innovation. Together with our partners, we continue to champion technology as a solution to address some of the world's most pressing development challenges.