'Compensating for Past Actions': EAM Jaishankar at New Indian Consulate in Manchester
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Synopsis
On March 9, EAM S. Jaishankar inaugurated a new Indian Consulate in Manchester, emphasizing India's commitment to strengthening ties and making up for past actions. He highlighted the importance of the diaspora and the anticipated India-UK Free Trade Agreement while celebrating International Women’s Day.
Key Takeaways
- New Indian Consulate in Manchester inaugurated.
- Emphasis on strengthening India-UK relations.
- Importance of the Indian diaspora highlighted.
- International Women’s Day celebrated with new Consul General.
- Future trade agreements discussed.
Manchester (United Kingdom), March 9 (NationPress) External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar inaugurated a new Consulate General of India in Manchester, UK, stating that "India is compensating for many actions that could and should have been taken earlier".
He emphasized that the establishment of the Consulate General in Manchester symbolizes the significance of the expanding diaspora in the area and heralds forthcoming developments, including the anticipated India-UK Free Trade Agreement.
The EAM remarked that it was fitting for Vishakha Yaduvanshi to assume her position as India’s latest Consul General on International Women’s Day, highlighting the government's commitment to prioritizing women's issues in policy-making.
In an interview with IANS during the event, EAM Jaishankar stated, "Nothing could be more appropriate than a Consul General inaugurating her consulate on this significant day. It wasn't just timely; we also got the day right. This occasion holds great importance for us. In many respects, it reflects our efforts to compensate for past actions that should have been undertaken earlier..."
He added, "Manchester is significantly engaged with India, and vice versa. The trade volume with this region stands at approximately 700 million pounds, with over 300 Indian companies operating here..."
The EAM continued, "Reflecting on our progress, a few years ago, specifically two years back, we held the G20 presidency. During that challenging presidency, we undertook numerous initiatives amidst a polarized world where collaboration was difficult. Our notable achievements included securing the African Union’s permanent membership in the G20 and the adoption of the concept of women-led development by the G20..."
In a post on the social media platform X, the EAM expressed: "Thrilled to inaugurate our fourth Consulate in the UK, in Manchester. Thank you to Deputy PM @AngelaRayner, Minister @CatherineWest1, Deputy Mayor Paul Dennett, and MP @NavPMishra for joining us."
In another X post, EAM Jaishankar stated: "Great to meet Deputy PM @AngelaRayner today in Manchester. Her support has been instrumental in establishing our Consulate. We also discussed India-UK bilateral relations and our efforts to enhance trade and people-to-people connections. This step fulfills the long-standing wish of our community and friends of India in Manchester. I am confident that this new addition to our presence in the UK will reinforce cultural, trade, and cricket ties."
The EAM followed the official inauguration of the consulate building in Stockport, Greater Manchester, with a celebratory reception for the diaspora at Old Trafford stadium, where he engaged with members of the Lancashire Cricket Club's women's team before their pre-season tour to Bengaluru next week.
Reflecting on his first formal visit to Manchester, EAM Jaishankar remarked, "This visit acknowledges the maturation of our relationship over the past four decades."
"Furthermore, I want to emphasize that this is not merely an office we have opened, but rather an investment in our relationship, which we hold in high regard. It signifies our commitment to better serving the Indian community.
"We aspire for it to become a hub for deeper connections between India and Manchester, fostering increased trade, investment, education, and technological collaboration, and importantly, strengthening our partnership with the United Kingdom."
The EAM was joined at the inauguration by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and Foreign Office minister Catherine West, who highlighted the longstanding ties between the two nations.
Rayner stated, "Our connections span a long history, with our businesses, communities, and celebrations; everything Mancunian is also Indian, and we take immense pride in that."
Catherine West welcomed this "crucial milestone" in bilateral relations, adding, "The core of any Consulate lies in its services, and we hope this will serve as a supportive space for the community, making them feel truly at home here."
The Manchester launch followed Jaishankar's inauguration of a Consulate in Belfast during his visit to Northern Ireland on Friday, where he acknowledged the economic potential while emphasizing its role in serving the Indian community.
The opening of these two new Consulate Generals marks the conclusion of EAM Jaishankar's two-nation tour of the UK and Ireland, which commenced in London on Tuesday.
