Speaker hails UK-India friendship: "We have so much we can share and build on."
27 October 2021
The High Commissioner for India thanked the Speaker of the House of Commons for the UK’s generous support to her country when it was hit by a virulent second wave of the Covid 19 pandemic.
In a debut meeting with Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Her Excellency Gaitri Kumar said: "India and the UK have proved during the pandemic that we are partners who find solutions."
Seeing the Indian flag flying over New Palace Yard in the 75th anniversary of its independence, "was such a lovely gesture," she told the Speaker.
"Everywhere I go, all over the UK, I can tell the Indian community here feels valued, welcome and secure," she said.
The importance of regular exchanges and the best possible mutual understanding between the Parliaments of India and the UK was also discussed.
Mr Speaker agreed. "We have so much we can share and build on," he said. "Whatever I can do – my office can be used to better our friendship."
The meeting was organised by Sir Lindsay as part of his Speaker-led UK parliamentary diplomacy to establish enduring ties between countries and parliamentarians.