Our High Commissioner

Thank you for visiting the "Britain in India" website. I took over as British High Commissioner in India in September 2007. It is a privilege for me to be helping take forward Britain’s unique relationship with the world’s largest democracy.

Before starting work, I had the opportunity to experience a small cross-section of India first hand and to talk to many people about life in this country. As a result, I am even more convinced that we can forge a dynamic 21st century partnership which makes a real difference to people in both our countries.

Almost all of the British Government’s international priorities involve stepping up our engagement with India. They cover a wide range of sectors: foreign and defence policy; counter-terrorism and counter-proliferation; economic and trade policy; science, education, and innovation; environment and sustainable development. All of this, plus vibrant people-to-people contact, will make the bilateral relationship even more valuable for both our great nations.

We hope and believe that India’s international role will go from strength to strength. Britain has long supported India’s candidature for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council. We want to work with India to address some of the major challenges we face, whether in Afghanistan or Burma, based on our shared commitment to democracy and human rights. In addition, India and the UK both have direct experience of terrorism and we will continue to promote closer international co-operation in the struggle to defeat this scourge.

On the business side, we want to see trade grow at an increasingly robust pace. The UK is among the 2 – 3 largest investors in India. We are keen to see even more cooperation across the board from financial services and infrastructure to automotive and aerospace engineering, pharmaceuticals, ICT and retail. We are building on strong foundations: Indian investment into the UK has shot up to over $10 billion this year. And Vodafone’s purchase of Hutch Essar was the biggest ever UK investment in India.

We welcome and value skilled Indian people coming to the UK. The Indian diaspora in the UK contributes a huge amount. Not just prosperity, but also as a vital bridge between our two countries with their complex, multicultural societies.

It is an exciting time for all of us engaged in promoting the UK-India relationship. I am looking forward to getting out and about, and seeing as much of India as I can during my time here.

CV of Sir Richard Stagg KCMG, CMG