UK falling behind in race to engage with India, warns UK Parliament inquiry

TIL Desk/National/London/ The UK is falling behind in the global race to engage with India as it has failed to adjust its strategy to fit India’s enhanced influence and power on the world stage, a new British parliamentary inquiry report concluded on Monday.

The report ‘Building Bridges: Reawakening UK-India ties’, released to coincide with the first-ever India Day in the Houses of Parliament to mark the launch of UK-India Week 2019, called for a reset of ties through better visa and immigration policies for Indian tourists, students and professionals as it accuses the UK government of missing opportunities in the bilateral relationship.

“The UK is falling behind in the global race to engage with a rising India…The story of the UK’s recent relationship with India is primarily one of missed opportunities, the report said. There are certain practical steps the government must take to reset its relationship with India, in particular making it easier for Indians to visit the UK and to work or study here, it noted.

On the issue of visas, it expressed concern that India seems to face tougher norms than a non-democratic country like China. “There is no excuse for the migration policies that have led the UK to lose ground in attracting Indian students and tourists who not only contribute to our economy but build lasting bilateral ties.