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Key Points

British High Commissioner Lindy Cameron visited Karnataka Soaps, praising its heritage tied to Mysuru’s Maharaja and British expertise. She highlighted how the UK-India Free Trade Agreement could boost KSDL’s European expansion. Industries Minister MB Patil revealed plans to grow Mysore Sandal Soap’s global footprint with UK collaboration. The visit underscored 120+ years of Indo-British industrial ties since the soap unit’s colonial-era founding.

Key Points: British Envoy Lindy Cameron Visits Karnataka Soaps Amid UK-India FTA Talks

  • Cameron & Iyer toured KSDL’s sandalwood soap production
  • Discussed UK-India FTA’s impact on Karnataka industries
  • Learned about Mysuru Maharaja’s British soap-making mission
  • KSDL plans European expansion for Mysore Sandal Soap
2 min read

British High Commissioner visits Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited; appreciates production activities

UK High Commissioner explores KSDL’s British-linked heritage & discusses FTA benefits with Karnataka Industries Minister MB Patil

"We should share expertise in ways that serve mutual interests without compromising our respective goals - Lindy Cameron"

Bengaluru, June 25

British High Commissioner to India, Lindy Cameron, and Deputy High Commissioner for Karnataka and Kerala, Chandru Iyer, visited the state-run Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited (KSDL) on Wednesday and observed its production activities. During their visit, they were briefed on the company's history, market reach, financial performance, and future expansion plans, which they appreciated.

The dignitaries were warmly welcomed by MB Patil, Minister for Large and Medium Industries, and CS Nadagouda, Chairman of KSDL. On this occasion, they were shown a live presentation highlighting KSDL's legacy and achievements. A special exhibition was also arranged to showcase the company's wide range of products. Cameron and Iyer were intrigued to learn about the British connection in the establishment of the company.

Speaking on the occasion, Lindy Cameron noted that the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the United Kingdom would benefit both countries and, by extension, industrial states like Karnataka. "We should share expertise in ways that serve mutual interests without compromising our respective goals," she said.

Minister Patil, while recounting KSDL's origins, explained that the then Maharaja of Mysuru, Nalvadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar, had sent a representative to Britain to study the soap-making process. The establishment of KSDL was later made possible through the efforts of the Maharaja and the visionary M Visvesvaraya, he noted.

"KSDL currently exports its products to 23 countries. We now plan to further expand the reach of products like Mysore Sandal Soap and shower gels into European markets," said the Minister, adding that cooperation from the UK would help achieve this goal.

S Selvakumar, Principal Secretary, Department of Industries; Gunjan Krishna, Commissioner, Department of Industries; Prashanth, Managing Director, KSDL; and Aravinda Galagali, Technical Advisor to the Minister, were also present during the visit.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
Great to see international recognition for our homegrown brands! Mysore Sandal Soap has been a part of every Indian household for generations. Hope this FTA helps take our traditional products global 🇮🇳
P
Priya M.
Interesting historical connection! Didn't know about the British link in KSDL's origins. But let's ensure any collaboration benefits our workers and doesn't compromise the traditional methods that make these products special.
S
Sanjay D.
While this is positive, I hope our government ensures the FTA has balanced terms. British companies shouldn't get unfair advantages over our MSME sector. "Mutual benefit" should mean exactly that.
A
Ananya R.
Mysore Sandal Soap is pure nostalgia! My grandmother used to keep it in her pooja room as it was considered pure and sacred. Hope they maintain the same quality standards while expanding globally 🌿
V
Vikram S.
Good initiative but KSDL needs to modernize its marketing. Younger generations are moving to international brands. They should leverage this British connection to create contemporary campaigns while preserving heritage.
N
Neha T.
The sandalwood fragrance is unmatched! Hope the expansion includes sustainable sourcing of sandalwood to protect our forests. Also curious - will the UK market appreciate our traditional scents? 🤔

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