Cricket Diplomacy- Business ties being strengthened in the heart of UK

On the eve of the India- England match at Edgbaston, a Reception was hosted by Consul General of India, Birmingham at the residence. The event was hosted on behalf of Her Excellency Mrs. Ruchi Ghanashyam High Commissioner of India to UK. Among the dignitaries who attended included Mr. Rana Gurmit Singh Sodhi, Hon’ble Minister of Sports & Youth Services & NRI Affairs Minister, Government of Punjab, His Excellency Sir Dominic Asquith KCMG High Commissioner of UK to India, along with Member of European Parliament, Ms. Neena Gill, Member of House of Lords, Lord Mike Whitby, Deputy Director, Trade and Innovation, British High Commission, Mr. Amo Kalar, and representatives of the Department of International Trade (DIT). More than 80 people representing different business communities, organizations and academics joined the evening. The event was aimed at strengthening the India -UK business relationship, as DIT had organised several business events on the sidelines of the Cricket World Cup matches.  Mr. Farokh Engineer, well known former Indian cricketer, moderated the evening and shared his unique experiences fro  m the world of cricket. Minister Rana Gurmit Singh Sodhi gave his overview on how cricket connects communities, and sets a beautiful example of ‘Living Bridge’. He also complimented the British Indian community for bringing the two countries closer. High Commissioner Mrs. Ruchi Ghanashyam and High Commissioner Sir Dominic Asquith spoke about the upcoming matches, and underlined how cricket strengthens connectivity creating new avenues for business and trade opportunities which in turn bring Nations together. The evening continued with the ‘cricket-cake’ cutting ceremony by both the High Commissioners, which was well appreciated by the honored guests.  The reception concluded with mesmerizing performances by renowned melodious singer Mr. Malkit Singh accompanied by Mr. Gurcharan Mall (Dhol Blasters) who was graciously joined by Indian cricketer Mr. Harbhajan Singh to uplift the grandeur of the event. The reception provided an ideal platform to share and strengthen the business and cultural relationships between India and UK.