House of Lords hosts annual gala recognising pioneers in business, trade, education, culture and innovation between the UK and India.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, alongside leading business figures, institutions and charities, has been honoured by the India Business Group (IBG) at the UK–India ‘Living Bridge’ Awards for championing closer ties with the Indian subcontinent.
The fourth Indian Awards celebrated the enduring “Living Bridge” between India and the UK.
Earlier this year, the signing of the landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the two countries cemented that historic relationship.
“The UK and India are connected through a special umbilical cord of shared history, shared cultures and shared languages,” said Professor Lord Patel of Bradford, chairman of the India Business Group and of the judging panel. “These awards celebrate individuals and organisations that fuel our shared prosperity and embody what Prime Minister Narendra Modi has described as the special friendship between our two countries.”
The awards recognised the New Delhi-based GMR Group multinational conglomerate; billionaire businessman GP Hinduja; KPMG UK chair Bina Mehta; educator Dr Vishwajeet Rana; the Science Museum; digital consultants de Novo Solutions; and the University of Southampton, at a gala event held in the House of Lords this evening (22 September).
Judge and former television presenter Natasha Kaplinsky, now president of the British Board of Film Classification, said: “The calibre of nominations was exceptionally high across all categories, showcasing the remarkable depth of innovation, excellence, and collaborative spirit that defines the UK–India business partnership. Every entry demonstrated the tremendous value being created through this special relationship, making the judging process both inspiring and challenging.”
The UK–India trade deal has provided a significant boost to a relationship already generating substantial growth.
Total trade between the UK and India reached more than £44 billion in the four quarters leading to Q1 2025, marking a 10.1 per cent increase.
Harjinder Kang, His Majesty's Trade Commissioner for South Asia and Deputy High Commissioner for Western India, and one of this year’s judges, said:
“I was greatly impressed by the quality and diversity of entries during the judging process, which reflected the growing dynamism of the UK–India corridor, exemplified by the signing of the landmark Free Trade Agreement in July this year. Once the FTA comes into effect, we can expect a significant boost to trade and investment ties that will help businesses unlock many opportunities, accelerating growth across both economies.”
“We champion those who drive this special relationship forward,” said Amarjit Singh, CEO of the India Business Group and founder of the Awards . “This platform gives invaluable insights into new investment opportunities, empowering the next generation of UK–India business leaders and cementing our bond in this historic new era of trade.”
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he was honoured to be recognised by the IBG award judges. He expressed his hope that the trade deal would unlock new business opportunities.
Seema Malhotra MP, Minister of the Indo Pacific in the FCDO and Minister for Equalities accepted the award on behalf of the Prime Minister at the event, adding that the government hoped the trade agreement would “unlock new business opportunities”.
A spokesperson from Downing Street added:
“This deal will assist businesses to trade with India with confidence and security – taking advantage of the huge opportunities offered by the complementary nature of the two economies and India’s rapid growth. The core mission of this government is to deliver economic growth that raises living standards and puts money in people’s pockets, and that is exactly what this deal will do.”
