UK's West Midlands Delegation Visits GIFT City to Boost India-UK Finance Ties

A high-level delegation from the West Midlands, UK, visited Gujarat's GIFT City to deepen bilateral engagement in financial services and innovation. Discussions focused on collaboration in digital finance, artificial intelligence, sustainable finance, and academic research. GIFT City officials showcased the International Financial Services Centre's regulatory framework and infrastructure. The visit aimed to identify concrete steps for institutional linkages and investment opportunities between the regions.

Key Points: West Midlands Delegation Advances India-UK Partnerships at GIFT City

  • Strengthening India-UK financial collaboration
  • Exploring partnerships in AI and sustainable finance
  • Academic and institutional linkages
  • GIFT City as a gateway for global operations
2 min read

GIFT City hosts West Midlands mayoral delegation to advance India-UK financial, innovation partnerships

A UK mayoral delegation visited GIFT City to strengthen bilateral collaboration in financial services, AI, sustainable finance, and academic research.

"This engagement... reflects the growing depth of India-UK cooperation across financial services, innovation and education. - Sanjay Kaul"

Gandhinagar, February 23

GIFT City on Monday hosted a high-level mayoral delegation from the West Midlands Combined Authority, United Kingdom, led by HE Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, marking a significant step towards strengthening India-UK collaboration in financial services, innovation and institutional partnerships, a release said.

The delegation included representatives from the West Midlands Growth Company, leading universities such as the University of Warwick, University of Birmingham, Birmingham City University, Aston University and Coventry University -- which has already established an international branch campus in GIFT City -- along with industry leaders from mobility, advanced manufacturing, energy, artificial intelligence and financial services, as well as members of the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce and trade bodies. The visit was facilitated in collaboration with India Global Forum.

Discussions focused on deepening bilateral engagement in international financial services, enabling institutional partnerships, and exploring collaboration across digital finance, artificial intelligence, sustainable finance and academic research. The interaction also highlighted opportunities for universities and innovation institutions from the West Midlands to expand their presence and partnerships within GIFT City's ecosystem.

During the visit, GIFT City officials presented the evolution of India's first operational International Financial Services Centre (IFSC), highlighting its globally benchmarked regulatory framework, unified ecosystem and expanding opportunities across banking, capital markets, insurance, asset management, fintech, sustainable finance and global capability centres.

The delegation was briefed on GIFT City's infrastructure readiness, policy stability and its growing role as a gateway for global institutions seeking to access India's markets while operating within an internationally aligned regulatory environment.

Commenting on the visit, Sanjay Kaul, Managing Director and Group CEO, GIFT City, said, "This engagement with the West Midlands mayoral delegation reflects the growing depth of India-UK cooperation across financial services, innovation and education. GIFT City provides a platform for global institutions, universities and enterprises to collaborate, invest and scale international operations from India. We see strong potential to expand partnerships with the West Midlands across financial services, global capability centres, research and emerging technology."

The visit concluded with a networking interaction and strategic discussions aimed at identifying next steps for collaboration, including institutional linkages, investment opportunities and knowledge partnerships. The engagement underscores GIFT City's continued focus on building global partnerships that support cross-border capital flows, talent development and innovation-led growth.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone working in fintech, the focus on digital and sustainable finance is very promising. A unified, globally benchmarked regulatory framework in GIFT City is exactly what we need to attract more foreign investment and talent.
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Priya S
Great step for India-UK ties! But I hope these partnerships lead to real opportunities for Indian students and professionals here, not just a pathway for foreign institutions to set up shop. The benefits should be mutual.
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Rohit P
Coventry University already has a campus there? That's news to me! More such collaborations can reduce the need for students to go abroad for quality education. Hope they keep the fees reasonable for Indian families.
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Michael C
The inclusion of AI and advanced manufacturing in the talks is key. India has the technical talent, and the UK has strong R&D. Combining these strengths in a place like GIFT City could create a real innovation powerhouse.
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Kavya N
While this is positive, I hope the development is inclusive. The article talks about global institutions and capital flows, but what about local MSMEs and startups? Will they also get a seat at the table in this "gateway"?
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Vikram M
Strong India-UK partnerships are always welcome. The Birmingham Chamber of Commerce being involved is a good sign for future trade.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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