West Midlands announces ‘a mission to seize the moment’ for India during the year of the Free Trade Agreement

The mission to India, led by Mayer – the first from the UK in 2026 – aims to strengthen economic and cultural ties between the two markets and create valuable partnerships for the benefit of the region’s universities, businesses and communities. It will also deepen political engagement with key national and state-level leaders, strengthening the West Midlands’ role as a trusted long-term partner for India.

As well as promoting new job creation, the mission aims to position the region – which includes the key West Midlands investment region – as an attractive location for innovative Indian businesses looking to expand. It will also facilitate strategic engagement with Indian travel trade agents and tour operators, strengthen cultural ties and celebrate cultural exchanges, as India prepares to host the 2030 Centennial Commonwealth Games.

Led by Mayor Richard Parker, the delegation of West Midlands business, academic and political leaders will also include Dr Julie Nugent, CEO of Coventry City Council, Professor David MBA, Vice-Chancellor of Birmingham City University and Greg Clark, Executive Chair of the University of Warwick Innovation District, as well as senior representatives from the West Midlands Growth Company (WMGC) – the official investment promotion agency for the UK West Midlands region. Official trade mission partners include Aston University, Birmingham City University (BCU), energy provider E.ON, GEDU Global Education, the University of Birmingham and the University of Warwick.

West Midlands Growth Company (WMGC) in collaboration with the Indian Global Forum and Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce has organized a series of events and meetings with senior people from Indian businesses and institutions. These include multinational manufacturer Tata Motors, multinational technology company Infosys, motorcycle manufacturer TVS Motors and energy company Atri Energy Transition.

The West Midlands delegation will also host an event in Ahmedabad focused on “The Commonwealth Legacy”, with the city hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games and a number of roundtable events bringing together key industry bodies and intermediaries. These include visitor economy-focused roundtables with VisitBritain in Mumbai and Bengaluru; Following its technology and leadership forum, a roundtable with India technology trade association NASSCOM; A roundtable on urban transformation and smart cities with Mumbai Metropolitan Regional Development Authority and an event on AI skilling and the future of work with Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore.

The West Midlands has a particularly strong cultural connection with India, through the ‘living bridge’ of 276,000 ethnic Indians who live and work in the region. The two markets have strong economic ties, with India representing the UK’s second largest source of investment projects for six consecutive years and the West Midlands representing the UK’s largest recipient of FDI projects from India outside London.

Indian tourist numbers to the region have grown by more than 20 per cent over the past decade and Indian tourists spend more in the West Midlands than any English region outside London, valuing experiences such as world-class cricket at Edgbaston and Birmingham’s premium retail and dining scenes.

The region is already home to some of India’s largest companies, including Tata Group, TVS, Infosys, Hexaware Technologies, Engen Global, Suprajit Group, State Bank of India, Microland and most recently Firstsource and Mahindra.

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, Said: :

“The West Midlands and India already share real strengths in manufacturing and automotive, digital technology and clean energy. This gives us a solid foundation to turn last year’s trade deal into something that delivers at home.

“We have built a strong trading relationship with India over many years, based on trust in our communities and deep cultural ties. This mission is about taking this further – increasing exports from West Midlands firms, attracting new investment to our towns and cities and bringing more visitors to our region.

“If we get this right, it will mean good jobs for local people, stronger businesses and more money back into the pockets of people in the West Midlands.”

Harjinder Kang, Her Majesty’s Trade Commissioner in South Asia and Deputy High Commissioner in Western India, Said: :

“The economic partnership between the UK and India is at an all-time high following the signing of a historic trade agreement last year. The visit of the Mayor of the West Midlands to India is another strong testament to our ever-strengthening collaboration. As well as strengthening the West Midlands’ growing contribution to the UK-India partnership, this visit will help businesses on both sides prepare to take advantage of the deal which will boost growth by adding billions of pounds to both economies.”

Further remarks from the delegation:

“As a central partner in the Birmingham Knowledge Quarter, Aston is also helping to attract significant international investment into Birmingham and the wider West Midlands.

“This mission is a timely opportunity to showcase Birmingham as a global innovation city and deepen collaboration with Indian industry, researchers and policy makers on shared global challenges.”

Professor David MBA, Vice Chancellor of BCU, Said: :

“This mission for Birmingham City University is about strengthening the mutually beneficial economic, cultural and educational relationships between India and the West Midlands.

“We are proud of our Birmingham roots, but we are always striving to reach beyond that, including our deep ties to South Asia – thousands of our students are either from India or part of the local Indian diaspora.

“This visit will give BCU new opportunities to advance the implementation of our ambitious 2030 strategy, including the chance to deepen collaborative research on sustainable cities and cultural exchange through our Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.”

Vijay Tank, Chief Commercial Officer, E.ON Energy Infrastructure Solutions, Said: :

“Local energy systems are vital in delivering the benefits of the energy transition where they are needed most. Tailoring solutions to specific areas can drive economic growth, create local jobs and skills, and attract investment and innovation where needed.

“Whether it’s oursNet Zero Training Academyequipping trainees with sustainable technical skills; he is providing batteriescut billsFor vulnerable customers, or for usstrategic partnershipTo accelerate Coventry’s clean energy future, at E.ON we are already delivering some of those real benefits and we are well placed to support the Mayor’s ambitions for the West Midlands as well as investors in the region to tackle any energy challenges.

Kevin McColl, Managing Director of GEDU Global Education, Said: :

“This delegation is important because India matters to the West Midlands and the West Midlands matters to India. There are strong people-to-people ties, strong economic ties and deep education partnerships across a range of innovation-rich sectors. We are proud to support the Mayor’s mission to bring more investment to the West Midlands, increase two-way trade and strengthen our education partnership.”

Executive Chair of the Innovation District, University of Warwick, Rt Hon Greg Clark said: 
 
“The University of Warwick has a long history of strong ties with India – from students on campus, to our business partnerships, to our research collaborations.

“As we deepen the cultural, economic and educational links between Warwick, the West Midlands and India, we will accelerate innovation, develop talent and drive growth that benefits us all.

“Working with West Midlands Growth Company and our partners in India, Warwick looks forward to building a better world.”

Lucy Blackman, PR and Communications Manager, West Midlands Growth Company, lucy.blackman@wmgrowth.com / 07483 078434

Note to readers: This article has been produced by HT Syndication on behalf of the brand.

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