EAM’s remarks during the UK National Day celebrations

High Commissioner Lindy Cameron, Excellencies,

Friends, Namaskar and a very good evening to all of you.

It is my great pleasure to join you all in celebrating the national day of the United Kingdom. On behalf of the Government and people of India, I convey our warmest felicitations to His Majesty, to the High Commissioner and to the people of the United Kingdom.

Now, you know when our speeches started to sound very familiar, you know that our relations are really getting very close. But believe me, it’s not true till you hear it from me. So, even if I were to repeat some of the things which the High Commissioner said, do bear with it and do reflect on their importance. Let me start with our relationship. I think over the years, our ties have evolved from a complicated historical association to a dynamic and forward-looking partnership. This past year has truly been an exceptional year for our modern relationship.

Earlier this month as you heard from the High Commissioner, we welcomed Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Mumbai, accompanied by the largest ever trade delegation from the UK. Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself visited the UK three months earlier, I had the privilege of traveling with him at that time, when the historic Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement was signed. During that visit, we also adopted Vision 2035 - to guide our ties across five pillars, those of: Growth, Technology and Innovation, of Defence and Security, of Climate and Clean Energy and Education. We also adopted a Defence Industrial Roadmap for the first time.

We have not only expanded our cooperation under the Technology Security Initiative, but also deepened it with regard to connectivity, AI and critical minerals.

Again, the High Commissioner mentioned it but I think this is a development of particular significance which is that nine leading UK universities have received approval to establish campuses in India. The Southampton University has already inaugurated its campus in Gurugram, and I believe, it has welcomed its first cohort of students as well.

Today is also an occasion to recognize the invaluable contribution of the 1.9 million strong Indian diaspora in the United Kingdom. They are truly a "living bridge” and they have helped to create a very special bond between us.

Let me also recall His Majesty’s long-standing commitment to sustainability and environment – values that resonate very deeply with Prime Minister Modi’s vision of Mission LiFE – that is Lifestyle for Environment. When Prime Minister Modi visited Sandringham Castle in July, he had gifted a sapling to His Majesty. In turn, His Majesty did so as well to Prime Minister on his birthday under the "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” initiative. Now these may be gestures, but they do capture our shared commitment at the highest levels to protect the planet for future generations.

Tonight, the presence of so many well-wishers and friends of the relationship here is a testament to the warmth and mutual respect that define it.

Let me conclude by extending my best wishes to His Majesty on this special occasion for his good health and happiness. May the friendship between India and the United Kingdom continue to flourish in the years ahead!

Thank you!

New Delhi
October 31, 2025