India Global Forum held its Annual Westminster Diwali Reception on Monday, 13 October 2025, at the RICS venue in Westminster. The event was co-hosted by the UK-India Future Forum, the High Commission of India, the India All-Party Parliamentary Group, and the 1928 Institute. More than 150 prominent figures from business, public service, the arts, and the media attended the event.
Distinguished speakers included His Excellency Vikram Doraiswami, High Commissioner of India to the United Kingdom; Manoj Ladwa, Founder and Chairman of India Global Forum; Baroness Sandip Verma; Lord Karan Bilimoria; Lord Krish Raval; and Kanishka Narayan MP, Minister for AI and Online Safety. They shared their insights and ambitions for the next phase of the UK-India partnership following the signing of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the two countries in July 2025 to lower trade barriers and boost economic growth. The deal aims to reduce tariffs on a wide range of goods, such as Scotch whisky, medical devices, and automotive parts, and increase market access for services and digital trade. It is projected to significantly increase bilateral trade and both countries’ GDP, with UK GDP expected to rise by £4.8 billion annually and India’s by £5.1 billion.
Set against the vibrant backdrop of Diwali, the Festival of Lights, the reception has become a highlight of the UK-India calendar. It provides a platform for influential voices to celebrate cultural ties, exchange ideas, and strengthen this vital partnership between the two nations.