British Indian Group Calls for New UK Government to Realign India Ties

As the UK general election campaign reaches its final phase, a British Indian community group has urged the newly elected government to refocus its foreign policy priorities towards India. The Platform for Indian Democracy has called on new British MPs to prioritise democracy and human rights in the UK's foreign policy towards India and uphold democratic values in UK-India relations.

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The group emphasised the unique opportunity for the UK government to align its foreign policy with values cherished by British Indians. "By advocating for human rights, democratic principles, and ethical diplomacy, the UK can strengthen its relationship with India while upholding the ideals that both nations strive to achieve," said Raul Lai, Coordinator of Platform for Indian Democracy.

Electoral Influence of British Indians

As the largest ethnic minority group in the UK, British Indians have significant influence in constituencies across the country. The Platform for Indian Democracy highlighted their electoral impact, citing last year’s Uxbridge by-election where their decisive role secured a narrow win for the Conservatives. This underscores the importance for political parties to consider the community's perspectives on UK-India relations.

British Indians also maintain a strong connection with India. A recent survey found that 58 per cent of them read news about India at least weekly and closely followed the Indian general election results last month. This connection influences their views on how the UK should engage with India, their ancestral home.

Survey Findings on Human Rights

A survey conducted by the Platform for Indian Democracy in late 2023 revealed that 90 per cent of respondents in the UK believe human rights should be a condition for industrial and commercial investments in India. The Platform for Democracy was created recently to amplify progressive voices within the British Indian community.

The Indian diaspora population in the UK is estimated at around 1.8 million. Traditionally seen as inclined towards voting Labour, this electorate has shown more diverse voting patterns in recent elections. With Rishi Sunak leading the Conservatives as Britain’s first British Indian Prime Minister, it remains to be seen how these diaspora voters will be influenced in Thursday's vote.

The Platform for Indian Democracy stressed that political parties must acknowledge the community's perspectives on UK-India relations. This recognition is crucial given their significant electoral influence and strong ties to India.