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On September 6, 2024, the Geostrata had the privilege of interviewing Ms Caroline Rowett, the British Deputy High Commissioner, Chandigarh. Progressively, the interview focused on the various facets of India-UK relations and the role of the DHC in establishing commercial, cultural, and defence links between the two countries.
Cover by The Geostrata
THE GEO INTERVIEW WITH THE BRITISH DEPUTY HIGH COMMISSIONER IN CHANDIGARH, INDIA
Agrima: Welcome viewers, to a very special episode of the Geo Interview. Today we have with us the UK Deputy High Commissioner in Chandigarh, Ms Caroline Rowett. Ma'am represents the UK in four Indian states of Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and Uttarakhand, and the Union Territory of Chandigarh.
Moreover, she has served in various capacities back home in London, and foreign assignments such as France, Indonesia, the Bahamas, and Haiti.
The interview delves into Ms Rowett's understanding and 30 years of experience as a diplomat while assessing the evolution and current state of India-UK bilateral relations, which as highlighted by Ms. Rowett has transformed into a robust comprehensive and strategic partnership over the years.
I welcome you to the Geo Interview, ma'am. How are you?
DHC Rowett: I am doing well, and thank you for having me.
Agrima: Now ma'am, with your extensive experience spanning over 30 years as a diplomat, how do you assess the evolution and current state of India-UK bilateral relations?
DHC Rowett: India is an emerging superpower of the 21st century, the largest country in the world with 1.4 billion people and one of the fastest growing economies in the world.
And India-UK bilateral relations have transformed into a robust comprehensive strategic partnership in the past few years. Prime Minister Starmer in his first phone call with Prime Minister Modi said he looked forward to further deepening the strong and respectful relations between our two nations.
That’s why Foreign Secretary David Lammy visited India in the first weeks of the new Government, announcing the UK-India Technology Security Initiative (TSI), which was a significant moment. The new initiative will refresh and deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, focusing on boosting economic growth in both countries.
During my tenure, I have seen numerous cultural and educational initiatives that have strengthened the ties between our people.
For instance, we commemorated the 75th year of Indian Independence by launching a book titled ’75 Years, 75 Women, 75 Words.’ The book highlights the exceptional contributions of women in strengthening the living bridge between India and the UK.
In sports, the BDHC Chandigarh, in collaboration with the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA), hosted a reception at the Dharamshala cricket stadium in March 2024 during the 5th Test Match between England and India in Dharamshala.
The event showcased links between the UK and Himachal Pradesh through food, drink, and culture, while highlighting opportunities for trade, investment, education, and tourism in the UK.
Additionally, our Chevening Scholarships have enabled hundreds of Indian students to study in the UK, fostering future leaders who understand and value our bilateral relationship.
Agrima: Thank you, ma'am, that has set up an excellent background for the robust India-UK bilaterals. With multiple rounds of FTA negotiations between the UK and India, could you elaborate on what these negotiations signify for the bilateral relationship?
DHC Rowett: The UK sees a future FTA as a starting block to build a deeper and more strategic relationship between our two nations. On his recent visit to India, Foreign Secretary David Lammy reiterated that an FTA is the floor and not the ceiling of UK and India’s ambitions that will benefit both our economies.
The UK government's priority is growth and working collaboratively with a world superpower like India will help us drive this forward.
The UK remains committed to securing an FTA with India and we are optimistic that a new government will make greater progress.
Despite not having an FTA yet, bilateral trade has already increased significantly to £39 billion in 2023 which is 4.8% higher than 2022. This robust trade relationship supports over half a million jobs across both countries, demonstrating the tangible benefits of our economic partnership.
India is now the UK’s second-largest source of investment projects for the fifth consecutive year, with 108 new projects in the last financial year. Additionally, more than 950 Indian businesses operate in the UK, while over 600 UK businesses are thriving in India.
Agrima: Woah, that truly puts things into perspective. Now, looking ahead, in light of recent developments such as the AUKUS partnership, how does the UK perceive India’s strategic role in the Indian Ocean Region, particularly in the context of countering Chinese expansionism?
DHC Rowett: The UK is fully committed to AUKUS, the trilateral security partnership with Australia and the United States. The new government will build and strengthen modern partnerships with allies and regional powers.
With a significant portion of global maritime trade traversing the Indian Ocean, India’s geographic and strategic positioning makes it a crucial partner for ensuring maritime security.
The region's vastness necessitates a multilateral approach to security, and India's leadership is pivotal in this collaborative effort. The UK and India share similar visions for the Indo-Pacific. We both believe in an Indo-Pacific that thrives because of its openness.
We have signed several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to enhance defence collaboration, including projects on combat jet engines and missiles. Maritime cooperation has seen significant expansion, with the deployment of the Littoral Response Group and the Carrier Strike Group in the region, alongside a complex exercise and joint patrol program. The Royal Air Force (RAF) recently participated in the Tarang Shakti exercise working closely with the Indian Air Force (IAF). Such collaborations will ensure security and growth in the Indo-Pacific region in the future.
Agrima: Yes ma'am, I am sure the UK-India cooperative efforts in the Indo-Pacific are bound to get stronger, ensuring regional security. Moving Forward, what is your perspective on India’s potential for growth and development across various sectors? Additionally, could you highlight the areas where India and the United Kingdom could enhance their collaborative efforts?
DHC Rowett: India's potential for growth and development is immense, spanning multiple sectors, driven by its dynamic economy, innovative talent pool, and strategic geopolitical position. The UK recognises this potential and sees numerous opportunities for enhanced collaboration that can mutually benefit both nations.
The India and UK should collaborate on economic security to ensure that our supply chains are protected, key infrastructure remains uncompromised, and our economies are not over-dependent on those who do not hold our values and vision of the world.
We should collaborate on climate security to ensure we achieve net zero targets as quickly as possible. We must create new technologies, opportunities and industries producing clean energy. India will always be a key intelligence and security partner and we must look at areas to enhance cooperation. The UK Government has a close relationship with India on climate.
Agrima: Now ma'am, before we wrap up this interesting conversation with you, how do you see the historical and contemporary cultural connections between the United Kingdom and India contributing to the bilateral relationship, and what initiatives do you think could further strengthen these cultural ties?
DHC Rowett: The contemporary cultural connections between the UK and India form a rich tapestry that significantly enhances our bilateral relationship. These ties are embodied in the concept of a ‘living bridge,’ which refers to the deep and dynamic connections between our peoples.
Our people are at the heart of our relationship. The UK has a large Indian diaspora community in the UK, as well as deep links through business, tourism, academia and many other areas. Indian nationals continue to receive the highest share of UK visit, study, and work visas, reflecting the strong movement of people between our nations.
The UK has launched several initiatives to benefit young Indian minds. The Graduate Route (post-study work visa) introduced in 2021, and the Young Professionals Scheme (YPS) launched in 2023, are excellent examples. Indian nationals received over 116,000 Study Visas, representing 26% of all UK Study Visas.
The inaugural year of the YPS saw over 2,100 visas issued. These schemes enable Indian students and professionals to gain valuable experience in the UK, contributing to the living bridge.
Agrima: Now with that, we would like to thank Ms. Rowett, for sharing her views with us and this shared vision and discussion will guide our young audience to foster deeper engagement and mutual prosperity between the two nations. Looking forward to hosting you again ma'am, it was an honour. Thank you!
DH Rowett: Thank you Geostrata for having me here. I enjoyed the conversation.
BY AGRIMA KUSHWAHA
IN CONVERSATION WITH THE UK DHC CAROLINE ROWETT
TEAM GEOSTRATA
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