Keith Vaz, former MP of the UK House of Commons, emphasized the growing significance of India-UK relations while speaking at the NXT Forum 2025 at Bharat Mandapam in Delhi. Addressing the audience via video conference, Vaz highlighted that, as a British citizen of Indian origin, the relationship between the two nations holds deep personal and diplomatic importance. He stressed that this bilateral engagement should remain a pivotal aspect of both countries’ foreign policies.
Reflecting on India’s remarkable global ascent, Vaz noted that in just four decades, India has transformed into a major superpower. He remarked that India-UK relations have evolved into a partnership of equals, largely due to India’s succession of impressive leaders who have consistently advocated for equal footing in international affairs. India, he emphasized, engages with other nations only on terms of mutual respect and parity.
Keith Vaz expressed optimism about the future trajectory of the relationship, stating that it would only continue to strengthen. Recalling his role as a Foreign Office Minister under Prime Minister Tony Blair, he reminisced about attending the first-ever EU-India summit, an event met with great enthusiasm at the time. However, he pointed out that such high-level engagements have now become routine, demonstrating India’s indispensability in global decision-making. Today, he asserted, no major global decisions can be made without India’s participation, further reinforcing the strategic depth of the India-UK partnership. While the relationship is robust and holds great promise, he stressed that its continued progress depends on goodwill from both sides.
Discussing the Indian diaspora, Vaz underscored the immense contributions of Indian professionals and students abroad. He pointed out that 1.8 million Indians reside in the UK, playing a crucial role in the British economy. Hypothetically, if they were to suddenly leave, the impact would be disastrous. Acknowledging the importance of global diplomatic ties, he encouraged fostering positive relations not just between national leaders, such as Prime Minister Modi and President Trump, but also at the citizen level, urging both nations to treat their people with the respect they deserve.
When asked about the future of India-UK relations over the next decade, Vaz reflected on his own political journey. He noted that nearly 40 years had passed since he was first elected as the first person of Indian origin in the House of Commons in half a century. At that time, while relations between the two countries were good, India remained on the periphery of global affairs. However, he noted, India’s global standing has since changed dramatically, making its relationship with the UK more crucial than ever.
