'Compensating for Past Opportunities': EAM Jaishankar at New Indian Consulate in Manchester

Manchester (United Kingdom), March 9 (NationPress) External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar inaugurated a new Consulate General of India in Manchester, United Kingdom, on Saturday, stating that "India is compensating for many opportunities that we could and should have explored earlier".

He emphasized that the establishment of the Consulate General in Manchester signifies the growing importance of the diaspora in the area and is indicative of future developments, including an India-UK Free Trade Agreement.

The EAM noted that it was particularly fitting for Vishakha Yaduvanshi to assume her responsibilities as India's latest Consul General on International Women’s Day, highlighting the government's focus on women's issues in policy-making.

Speaking to IANS during the event, EAM Jaishankar remarked, "I wholeheartedly agree that there is no better occasion for a Consul General to inaugurate her consulate than today. Not only was the timing perfect, but we also got the day right. Let me take a moment to reflect on what this event signifies for us. In some respects, it is about the past—we are compensating for many opportunities that perhaps we could and should have embraced earlier..."

He further stated, "Already, I can observe that Manchester has significant investments in India and vice versa. I have been informed that trade with this region is approximately 700 million pounds, with more than 300 Indian firms operating here..."

The EAM remarked, "When we reflect on our progress, just a couple of years ago, we held the G20 presidency. We initiated numerous initiatives, and it was a particularly challenging presidency at that time. The world was highly polarized, and there was reluctance to engage in dialogue. Yet, among our accomplishments, aside from securing the African Union’s permanent membership in the G20, one of our proudest was the endorsement of the concept of women-led development by the G20..."

In a message shared on the social media platform X, the EAM expressed, "I am very pleased to inaugurate our 4th Consulate in the UK, in Manchester. I extend my gratitude to Deputy PM @AngelaRayner, Minister @CatherineWest1, Deputy Mayor Paul Dennett, and MP @NavPMishra for their participation."

In another post on X, EAM Jaishankar stated, "It was great to meet Deputy PM @AngelaRayner today in Manchester. Her support has significantly contributed to the establishment of our Consulate. We also discussed India-UK bilateral relations and our efforts to enhance trade and people-to-people exchanges. This step fulfills the long-standing aspirations of our community and friends in Manchester. I am confident that this latest addition to our presence in the UK will strengthen cultural, trade, and, of course, cricket ties."

The EAM followed the official opening of the consulate building in Stockport, Greater Manchester, with a celebratory diaspora reception at Old Trafford stadium, where he interacted with members of the Lancashire Cricket Club's women's team before they depart for Bengaluru for a pre-season tour next week.

"This is my first formal visit to Manchester, which acknowledges the evolution of our relationship over the last four decades," said EAM Jaishankar.

"However, I want to emphasize that this is equally a preparation for what lies ahead – a much deeper and closer partnership between India and the United Kingdom. The Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is central to that in the near future."

"We view the Free Trade Agreement not merely as a trade or investment understanding, but as a significant step towards elevating our relationship to a higher level," he added.

The Union Minister expressed his intention to "applaud" the Indian community's contributions to strengthening ties between India and the UK and remarked that he sees the new Consulate as paving the way for a substantial enhancement in bilateral relations.

"My message to you today is that this is not just an office we have opened; it represents an investment in the relationship that we hold in high regard. It reflects our commitment to better serve the community."

"We hope it becomes a hub to connect India and Manchester and the Greater Manchester area more profoundly. We certainly anticipate that it will stimulate more trade, investment, education, and technology-related activities, and most importantly, we are aware that it will be a vital step towards a deeper partnership with the United Kingdom."

The inauguration ceremonies were attended by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and Foreign Office minister responsible for the Indo-Pacific, Catherine West.

"Our connections extend back a long way, encompassing our businesses, communities, and celebrations; everything that is Mancunian is also Indian, and we take immense pride in that," said Rayner, a Mancunian born in Manchester, who also represents a constituency within the Greater Manchester region.

“This is a fantastic moment for Manchester, and I take great pride in being a member of parliament here. It speaks volumes about our two nations as allies, friends, and partners through generations. The Indian community has made significant contributions to our great city, and together, we are discovering new ways to strengthen our relationship,”

Minister Catherine West also welcomed this “crucial milestone” in bilateral relations, stating, “At the core of any Consulate are its services, and we hope this will be a valuable resource for people, enabling the living bridge to feel that it has a true home here.”

The launch in Manchester occurred just a day after EAM Jaishankar inaugurated a Consulate in Belfast during his visit to Northern Ireland on Friday.

“We recognize the economic potential. However, we also want it to serve the Indian community effectively,” he stated at the launch ceremony in Belfast.

The establishment of the two new Consulate Generals marks the final phase of EAM Jaishankar's two-nation tour covering the UK and Ireland, which commenced in London on Tuesday.