External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar inaugurated a new Consulate General of India in Manchester, marking a significant step in strengthening India-UK relations. Speaking at the event, Jaishankar emphasized that India is making up for many initiatives that should have been undertaken earlier.

The opening of the consulate symbolizes the growing Indian diaspora in the region and highlights future developments, including a potential India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

Jaishankar noted that it was particularly fitting for Vishakha Yaduvanshi to assume her role as India’s newest Consul General on International Women’s Day, reflecting the government’s commitment to women’s empowerment.

Strengthening trade and diplomatic ties

Addressing attendees, Jaishankar underscored Manchester’s deep economic ties with India, citing trade between the region and India, valued at approximately £700 million, and the presence of over 300 Indian firms.

He also spoke about India’s successful G20 presidency, highlighting the adoption of women-led development and securing the African Union’s permanent membership in the G20.

Social media acknowledgment

In a post on social media platform X, Jaishankar expressed his pleasure at inaugurating India’s fourth consulate in the UK. He thanked Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, Minister Catherine West, Deputy Mayor Paul Dennett, and MP Navendu Mishra for their support.

He further wrote, “Good to meet Deputy PM @AngelaRayner today in Manchester. Her encouragement has been a contribution to setting up our Consulate. Also discussed India-UK bilateral ties and our efforts on increasing trade and people-to-people exchanges.”

Jaishankar emphasized that the new consulate fulfills a longstanding desire of the Indian community in Manchester and will enhance trade, cultural, and cricket ties between the two nations.

Engagement with the diaspora

Following the official inauguration, Jaishankar attended a celebratory diaspora reception at Old Trafford stadium, where he interacted with members of Lancashire Cricket Club’s women’s team before their pre-season tour to Bengaluru.

“My visit to Manchester today acknowledges how much this relationship has matured in the last four decades,” he said. He also described the new consulate as a crucial step in preparing for a deeper India-UK partnership, with the FTA at its core.

He emphasized that the agreement would be more than just a trade deal—it would represent a transformative shift in bilateral relations.

Recognition of the Indian community

Jaishankar applauded the contributions of the Indian community in strengthening India-UK ties, stating that the consulate was an investment in the relationship and a commitment to serving the Indian diaspora.

“We hope this consulate will become a hub for connecting India with Manchester and the Greater Manchester region. It will encourage more trade, investment, education, and technology collaborations,” he said.

UK leaders welcome the consulate

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, who attended the event, praised the deep historical ties between India and Manchester. “Everything that is Mancunian is Indian as well, and we are incredibly proud of that,” she said.

Foreign Office Minister Catherine West also hailed the opening as a crucial milestone in bilateral relations, emphasizing that the consulate will serve as a valuable resource for the Indian community in the region.

Expansion of India’s diplomatic presence

The Manchester consulate’s opening follows Jaishankar’s inauguration of a new Consulate General of India in Belfast, Northern Ireland, a day earlier.

“We see economic potential, but we also want this consulate to serve the Indian community,” he stated during the Belfast event.

Jaishankar’s visit to the UK and Ireland, which began in London, concluded with these two diplomatic openings, further strengthening India’s engagement with the region.