Vaz expressed optimism, recalling his role in the EU-India summit under Blair.
New Delhi: Keith Vaz, the former MP of the UK House of Commons, underscored the growing importance of India-UK relations while addressing the audience at NXT Forum 2025, held at Bharat Mandapam in Delhi. Speaking via video conference, Vaz, a British citizen of Indian origin, stressed that the relationship between the two nations carries both personal and diplomatic significance. He insisted that this bilateral engagement should remain a cornerstone of both countries’ foreign policies.
Vaz then reflected on his own political journey while discussing the future of India-UK relations over the coming decade. He recalled that nearly 40 years had passed since he was first elected—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 amicable, India remained on the margins of global affairs. However, he observed that India’s global standing has transformed dramatically since then, making its relationship with the UK more critical than ever.
Expressing optimism about the evolving partnership, Vaz asserted that the relationship would only continue to strengthen. He recalled his tenure as a Foreign Office Minister under Prime Minister Tony Blair and reminisced about attending the inaugural EU-India summit, an event greeted with considerable enthusiasm.
He noted that such high-level engagements, once exceptional, have now become routine, demonstrating India’s indispensable role in global decision-making. Today, he declared, no major global decision can be made without India’s participation, reinforcing the strategic depth of the India-UK partnership. While the relationship is robust and brimming with promise, he stressed that its continued progress hinges on mutual goodwill from both sides.
Reflecting on India’s remarkable ascent on the world stage, Vaz noted that in just four decades, India has evolved into a major superpower. He remarked that the India-UK relationship has matured into a partnership of equals, largely due to India’s succession of impressive leaders who have persistently championed equal footing in international affairs. Vaz emphasized that India now engages with other nations solely on the basis of mutual respect and parity.