HC Vikram Doraiswami with Scotland First Minister Humza Yousaf at Edinburgh
India’s High Commissioner to the UK, Vikram Doraiswami, recently visited the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh and held meetings with key parliamentary and government leaders to discuss strengthening engagement between India and Scotland.
During his visit, High Commissioner Doraiswami attended the First Minister’s Question session in the Parliament gallery. He later met with Alison Johnstone MSP and discussed opportunities for greater legislative cooperation between India and Scotland as well as collaboration on green energy transitions.
A crucial meeting was held between HC Doraiswami and Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf where they explored potential partnerships in priority areas like financial technology, sustainable agriculture, tourism, and water conservation. In response to issues regarding British national Jagtar Singh Johal, who is jailed in India with 8 serious terror charges, raised by FM Yousaf, the High Commissioner stressed that due legal process is being followed as per Indian laws.
In the meeting with FM Yousuf, HE Doraiswami conveyed India’s commitment to safeguarding the rights of all communities. FM Yousaf appreciated the clear message from the Indian envoy underscoring India’s credentials as a pluralist democracy.
HC Doraiswami met Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross MSP during his visit to Edinburgh
Besides engaging with the Scottish government leadership, HC Doraiswami also held talks with major political parties. He met Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross MSP and Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar MSP to discuss strengthening multidimensional India-Scotland cooperation.
HC Doraiswami with Scottish Labour Party leader Anas Sarwar MSP and Consul General Bijay Selvaraj
The High Commissioner’s comprehensive engagements with a diverse range of Scottish stakeholders including the government, parliament and political parties highlighted India’s focus on boosting ties with Scotland across the board spanning business, technology, sustainability, culture, and democratic values. His visit underscored the emphasis on growing the India-Scotland partnership.
[All images from: High Commission of India X handle @HCI_London]