By strengthening ties with the Indian diaspora, the Labour Convention of Indian Organizations (LCIO) hopes to bridge the gap between British Indians and the Labour Party.
By promoting inclusive sustainable growth for both countries through a trade agreement, strengthening cultural and educational ties between Britain and India, and engaging with India as a “partner and critical friend” on issues of concern to British Indians, the party declared that it would close the gap between the Labour Party and British Indians and India. To commemorate the 75th anniversary of India’s independence, the LCIO announced its rebirth on Independence Day last month.
The freshly restored LCIO was formally introduced and praised for its purpose of bolstering India-UK ties during a special India-focused event, according to the media.
Sir Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party, made the following remarks outside the party conference in Liverpool: “I applaud the Labour Convention of Indian Organizations’ re-establishment. The timing is poignant given that India has been independent for 75 years.”
He stated that this was another effort by the opposition party to reach out to the voters in the Indian diaspora “I’m happy with what Labour has accomplished with the Indian diaspora in the UK, especially in terms of fostering closer links between the UK and India. British Indians significantly influence our economy, culture, and politics. I look forward to collaborating with the LCIO as we fight to elect the next Labour administration.”
It follows several years of what was considered an Indian diaspora disconnect under the previous Labour government; however, this year’s event appears to have changed as a result of the presence of Sujit Ghosh, India’s Deputy High Commissioner to the UK, according to media.
“Deputy High Commissioner @HCI London was present at the Liverpool Annual Labour Conference for the launching of the Labour Convention of Indian Organizations. We applaud the idea and anticipate collaborating closely with @LabourIndians to strengthen links between the UK and India. @VDoraiswami,” The Indian High Commission in London tweeted.
We are anticipating successful cooperation, the LCIO replied to the High Commission, thanking V Doraiswami, the Indian High Commissioner.
Speakers at the event, which was moderated by British Indian MP Navendu Mishra, included Barry Gardiner, Paula Barker, and veteran British Indian MP Virendra Sharma.
The Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, Angela Rayner, also discussed the positive impact of the Indian diaspora on the UK, specifically mentioning the “amazing nurses from Kerala” working for the state-funded National Health Service (NHS). “I’ve visited India a number of times and was really impressed by the organisation of women’s groups and how they are tackling the climate crisis,” Rayner said, according to the media.
Members of the LCIO Steering Committee, which is made up of well-known British Indian community leaders including Neena Gill, Krish Raval, Dr. Nikita Ved, and Gurinder Singh Josan, also spoke at the occasion.
The LCIO, which has roots in the Indian independence movement, claims that the reason for the reinvigoration this year is to connect British Indians to Labour in an inclusive manner and to work with India on the important issues of the day, specifically the climate crisis, sustainable development, and fostering internationalism.
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