Lord Karan Bilimoria of Chelsea, on behalf of Indiaspora, hosted an exclusive Diwali dinner at the historic House of Commons. The event, held in the Members’ Dining Room at the Palace of Westminster, brought together distinguished leaders from business, politics and the wider community to celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights. The Indiaspora Diwali Reception was not only a celebration of light but also a reflection of the enduring bonds between two great nations, united in shared prosperity, culture and purpose.
The evening, which took place on Thursday 23 October 2025, was an elegant affair with guests dressed in black tie and traditional Indian attire. Against the grand backdrop of the Commons, attendees enjoyed a three-course meal and the opportunity to engage in conversation about leadership, culture and collaboration between India and the United Kingdom.
Celebrating Equality, Partnership and Progress
The event featured a line-up of distinguished speakers, including Seema Malhotra MP, Minister for Equalities and Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO); His Excellency Vikram Doraiswami, High Commissioner of India to the UK; M. R. Rangaswami, Founder of Indiaspora; Nina Amin, Country Head for the UK, Indiaspora; Baroness Ruby McGregor-Smith; Tony Matharu, Founder and Chairman of Integrity International Group; and Lord Bilimoria himself.
Minister Seema Malhotra reflected on the 60th anniversary of the Race Equality Act of 1965, noting how the landmark legislation transformed Britain by paving the way for leaders from diverse backgrounds to rise to prominence across business, politics and civil society. She emphasised the power of inclusion and the enduring value of equality as a cornerstone of modern Britain.
Strengthening UK-India Ties
In his remarks, Lord Bilimoria highlighted the significance of the recent UK delegation to India in October 2025, following the signing of the UK–India Free Trade Agreement. The delegation, led by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, comprised over 125 leaders and marked the largest UK trade mission to India in a decade.
The visit resulted in a series of landmark outcomes:
- £1.3 billion of new Indian investment into the UK, creating 6,900 jobs in sectors including engineering and technology.
- Yash Raj Films’ commitment to produce three major Bollywood films in the UK, generating over 3,000 new jobs from next year.
- A £350 million agreement to manufacture UK-designed missiles for the Indian Army, creating over 700 jobs in Northern Ireland.
- £3.6 billion in new UK investments into India’s growing economy, supporting thousands of British jobs and boosting bilateral growth.
Lord Bilimoria underscored that these achievements are a testament to the strength of the “living bridge” that connects India and the UK, driven by shared values and a vibrant diaspora.
The Power of the Global Indian Diaspora
Other speakers celebrated the influence of the global Indian diaspora, which now numbers over 35 million people worldwide and collectively holds wealth exceeding £1 trillion. They spoke of the community’s unique ability to strengthen the enduring relationship between the UK and India, acting as a unifying voice across sectors and generations.
Third and fourth-generation members of the diaspora were recognised for continuing to build bridges between the two nations, embodying a spirit of enterprise, philanthropy and cultural exchange. The metaphor of the diaspora “lighting a path” between communities around the world resonated deeply throughout the evening.
A Call to Action: Indiaspora Forum 2026
M. R. Rangaswami concluded the evening with a call to the Indian diaspora to be a force for good. He urged community leaders to collaborate, engage and drive social change through shared initiatives and dialogue. He also invited guests to participate in the forthcoming Indiaspora Forum 2026, which will take place from 22 to 24 March 2026 in Bengaluru, India.
For more information, visit www.indiaspora.org.