FISI UK Golden Jubilee — A Conversation for the Ages 🇮🇳🇬🇧
One of the standout moments of our Golden Jubilee celebrations today at The Bhavans, West Kensington — a compelling on-stage conversation on India, its global rise, and the enduring India-UK relationship.
Chris Blackburn joined Aman Bhogal and Sweta Bhatia for a thoughtful and engaging dialogue that captivated a packed auditorium reflecting exactly the kind of cross-community bridge-building that FISI UK has championed for 50 years.
From 1976 to 2026 the conversation around India has never been more relevant, more energised, or more hopeful. 🙏✨
Thank you Chris and Aman for bringing such depth and passion to our Golden Jubilee stage.
@amanbhogal@CJBdingo25
#FISIUK #GoldenJubilee #50Years #IndiaUK #BritishIndian #Diaspora #FriendsOfIndiaSocietyInternational #Since1976
The New Jewel — A Golden Jubilee Reflection 🇮🇳🇬🇧
At our FISI UK Golden Jubilee celebrations today at The Bhavans, West Kensington, Chris Blackburn offered a moment that stopped the room.
"India was once called the jewel of the nation — today, it is the Indian diaspora that is the jewel."
Chris captured in one sentence what FISI UK has embodied for 50 years — that the British Indian community is not a footnote in this nation's story, but one of its brightest gems.
50 years of advocacy. 50 years of pride. 50 years of being that jewel. 💛🙏
#FISIUK #GoldenJubilee #50Years #IndianDiaspora #BritishIndian #IndiaUK #Jewel #FriendsOfIndiaSocietyInternational #Since1976
@CJBdingo25@amanbhogal
🇬🇧 From Arrival to Belonging — 50 Years of Making Britain Home 🇮🇳
Another powerful moment from the FISI UK Golden Jubilee stage at The Bhavans, West Kensington today.
Aman Bhogal reflected on a journey that the entire British Indian community knows deeply —
"The UK has come a long way to become the most welcoming nation — and the Indian diaspora has a major role to play in this pluralist society."
From the first generation who arrived with hope and determination, to the community that today shapes British politics, business, culture, and public life — this is a story of mutual enrichment.
FISI UK has been part of that story since 1976. Advocating. Bridging. Building. 🙏
@amanbhogal@CJBdingo25@jsaideepak@KhajuriaManu
#FISIUK #GoldenJubilee #50Years #AmanBhogal #IndianDiaspora #BritishIndian #PluralistSociety #IndiaUK #FriendsOfIndiaSocietyInternational #Since1976
Speech by @manojladwa
Keynote Speaker — FISI UK Golden Jubilee Celebrations at The Bhavans, London
Manoj Ladwa is the Founder and Chair of @IGFupdates , the premier platform for UK-India business and policy dialogue.
An excerpt:
Somewhere in this hall tonight or in our community sits a young person who will one day stand at this very same spot. Let us make sure that when they look back, they find not just a community that was celebrated, but one that was consequential — not just friends who admired, but friends who helped build futures, for India and Britain alike.
India does not need passive admirers. It needs thoughtful friends. Britain does not need sentimental nostalgia. It needs a lasting partnership and the world does not need mere motivation, It needs communities that can work together with seriousness and purpose.
FISI UK has been part of that journey for 50 years. Let us make the next 50 more ambitious, continuing to speak the truth, standing for democracy, building, understanding, and widening the circle of India's friends.
Let us ensure that the story of Bharat in the UK is not only remembered with pride, but is also written with great purpose.
@naomi2009@CJBdingo25@thebritishhindu@amanbhogal@KhajuriaManu@jsaideepak@authoramish
50 Years. One Legacy. Standing Ovation.
At the heart of FISI UK's Golden Jubilee stands the reason we reached 50 years — the men who built it.
These founding pillars and senior office bearers took to the stage at The Bhavan, London last night, receiving the recognition they so richly deserve. Decades of quiet dedication, tireless advocacy, and unwavering commitment to the British Indian community, this is what 50 years looks like.
They didn't just found an organisation. They built a bridge between two great nations, India and the United Kingdom brick by brick, year by year, across five remarkable decades.
#FISIUKGoldenJubilee #50Years #BritishIndian #Diaspora #LegacyAndAchievement #IndiaUK #FISIUK #CommunityLeaders
Indian Media Embraces FISI UK's Golden Jubilee : A Moment of Pride for the Diaspora
As FISI UK prepares to mark its Golden Jubilee on 28 June 2026 at London, it is heartening to witness the warm and enthusiastic response from the Indian media fraternity, who have embraced this historic milestone with remarkable generosity and prominence.
Leading English and Hindi publications across India have featured the Golden Jubilee celebrations prominently, ensuring that the significance of this occasion reaches readers across every corner of India and the wider Indian diaspora. The breadth of coverage spanning both English and Hindi readership reflects just how deeply FISI UK's five decades of advocacy resonate with Indians at home and abroad.
From the organisation's founding in the turbulent era of the Emergency in 1976, to its role today in shaping the narrative around the landmark India-UK Free Trade Agreement, FISI UK's journey is one that the Indian media has recognised as a story worth telling and telling well.
This outpouring of media support is a powerful affirmation that FISI UK's mission to serve as India's trusted global voice in the United Kingdom, championing truth, integrity, and cohesion continues to strike a chord far beyond the shores of Britain.
FISI UK extends its heartfelt gratitude to every publication and journalist who has taken the time to cover this landmark anniversary. Your support in amplifying the voice of the British Indian diaspora and shining a light on 50 years of quiet, steadfast service is deeply appreciated and warmly acknowledged.
Together, we continue to build the living bridge between two great nations.
@epanchjanya@mppostnewsviews@naomi2009@sanjaysuri88@loveenatandon@aajtak@IndicSocietyUK@ARanganathan72@sgurumurthy@jsaideepak@authoramish
FISI UK strongly condemns the disgraceful attempt to disrupt the lecture delivered by the Hon'ble Chief Justice of India at Birkbeck, University of London on 4th June 2026.
Such behaviour is an affront to the values of free, open and respectful public discourse. Targeting a distinguished constitutional dignitary in this manner is not protest but it is intimidation, and it has no place in a civilised society.
The UK has a proud tradition of welcoming eminent voices from across the world. That tradition must not be undermined by those who seek to silence rather than engage.
FISI UK calls on all relevant authorities to take note of this incident and ensure that such disruptions are not tolerated.
We stand firmly for dignity, dialogue and respect. 🇬🇧🇮🇳
@HCI_London@MEAIndia
#CondemnTheDisruption #ChiefJusticeOfIndia #RuleOfLaw #Birkbeck
UK sanctions imposed on a person and organisation involved in terrorism in landmark action
This is the first use of the Domestic Counter-Terrorism Regime to disrupt funding for Pro-Khalistan militant group Babbar Khalsa.
The UK has announced an asset freeze and director disqualification against Gurpreet Singh Rehal (REHAL) who is suspected of belonging to organisations involved in terrorism in India. HM Treasury has also announced an asset freeze against a group, Babbar Akali Lehar, for promoting and supporting the same terrorist group.
HM Treasury assesses REHAL is involved in Babbar Khalsa and Babbar Akali Lehar’s terrorist activities, including promoting and encouraging, carrying out recruitment activities for, providing financial services to as well as supporting and assisting those organisations, including through purchasing weapons and other military materiel.
Read more:
https://t.co/hfIC0ccx3Z
@HCI_London@naomi2009@MEAIndia
For Indians across the world, the horrors of terrorism are not academic but a lived memory. India has long been the first and most consistent casualty of cowardly, state-sponsored attacks on innocent civilians, assaults that have no justification, no nuance, no romance but only victims targeted by radicals backed by a rogue state.
26/11 remains etched in our collective consciousness as one of the darkest reminders of this brutality.
We will #NeverForget #NeverForgive
And we must forge a global consensus to confront and dismantle the ecosystems that breed, finance and glorify terror.
Terrorism anywhere is a threat to humanity everywhere!
@HCI_London
The BBC appears perplexed about why India’s youth aren’t flooding the streets in political protest. But what, exactly, is it hoping to see? It almost sounds disappointed that Gen Z in India isn’t leading mass demonstrations.
The reality is that young Indians are informed, confident, and fully capable of deciding what truly serves their interests and their nation’s progress. They have deep faith in India’s vibrant democracy and transparent electoral system, trusting in the process that empowers them to shape the country’s future through participation not disruption.
Rather than taking to the streets, they’re channeling their energy into innovation, entrepreneurship, and nation building launching startups, driving progress, and working toward a developed, self-reliant India brimming with opportunity, growth, and pride.
@sanjeevsanyal@naomi2009@thebritishhindu@ShefVaidya@Iyervval@Suhelseth@sgurumurthy@AdityaRajKaul@amanbhogal
Happy 75th Birthday to our Indian PM @narendramodi 🇮🇳. Under his visionary leadership, India has witnessed a historic transformation:
✅ GST – One Nation, One Tax, unifying the economy
✅ Atmanirbhar Bharat – Driving self-reliance & innovation
✅ India’s stronger voice at the G20 & global stage
✅ Record FDI & booming Startup ecosystem
✅ Digital India revolution – World’s largest digital payments network
✅ Ayushman Bharat – Healthcare access for millions
✅ Swachh Bharat & Ujjwala Yojana – Transforming lives
✅ 100% village electrification
✅ Historic abrogation of Article 370 – Greater integration & equality
✅ Chandrayaan-3 success & Gaganyaan mission ahead
✅ World’s largest vaccination drive
✅ Infrastructure growth, women’s empowerment & climate action
✅ UK–India Free Trade Agreement – Strengthening global ties 🇮🇳🤝🇬🇧
From grassroots reforms to global diplomacy, India’s rise as a New India has inspired millions worldwide.
#HappyBirthdayModi #75thBirthday #NewIndia #IndiaRising 🇮🇳
@MEAIndia@HCI_London@mygovindia@naomi2009
Is India a 'Tariff King'?
When India is judged on tariffs, there are two parameters which are used. One is simple average tariffs, and the other is trade-weighted tariffs. If you use the former metric, India's tariff does seem high (15.98 percent). But this is in many ways academic because for most of the goods that come into the Indian market, it is the trade-weighted applied tariff that matters. And the trade-weighted tariff that India maintains is a very respectable 4.6 percent. This level of tariff gives the lie to claims that India is somehow a tariff king. Simple averages distort the picture since they treat all products alike regardless of the trade volumes. So, why is there such a big difference between India's simple average tariff and its trade-weighted tariff?
Read more on : https://t.co/z5fB8cc6wl
On this auspicious occasion of #RakshaBandhan, FISI UK extends its warmest greetings to you and your families.
As you celebrate the special bond between siblings, remember the universal message of protection and unity that this festival embodies. The sacred thread of Rakhi symbolizes the deep affection and commitment to safeguarding one another, whether it be within families or amongst communities.
Let us use this opportunity to reflect on the importance of nurturing strong relationships, both within our families and with the wider society.
On behalf of FISI‑UK, we remember Lord Meghnad Desai as a thought‑leader of immense warmth, an open‑minded intellectual who embodied the values of truth, integrity, and cohesion that our organisation cherishes. He brought India into global economic and social discourse not with force, but with the quiet power of reason, concern for the poor, and unwavering advocacy for democratic values.
His legacy will continue to serve as a compass for diaspora youths, scholars, and policymakers committed to building bridges—between countries, ideas, and generations.
We extend our deepest condolences to his family, the London School of Economics community, and all those he inspired across the world.
@LSEnews@manojladwa@Suhelseth@jsaideepak@HCI_London
#BaronDesai
FISI UK salutes the indomitable courage and sacrifice of our brave soldiers who fought valiantly to protect our motherland during the Kargil War. Their unwavering spirit and supreme sacrifice will always be etched in our hearts.
#KargilVijayDiwas#KargilVijayDiwas2025 #KargilHeroes
@jsaideepak@majorgauravarya@Iyervval
Prime Minister Narendra Modi to embark on 4-day visit to UK and Maldives from July 23
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be on a two-nation visit to the United Kingdom (UK) and Maldives from 23rd to 26th of this month. In his first leg of the tour, Mr Modi will visit UK from 23rd to 24th July, at the invitation of his UK counterpart Keir Starmer. During the visit, Prime Minister Modi will hold wide ranging discussions with Prime Minister Starmer on the entire gamut of India-UK bilateral relations. They will also exchange views on issues of regional and global importance.
Mr Modi is also expected to call on His Majesty King Charles III. During the visit, the two sides will also review the progress of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) with a specific focus on trade and economy, technology and innovation, defence and security, climate, health, education and people-to-people ties. This will be Prime Minister Modi’s fourth visit to the UK.
In the second leg, Prime Minister Modi will be on a two-day visit to Maldives from 25th of this month, on the invitation of the Maldives President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. He will be the ‘Guest of Honour’ at the celebrations of the 60th anniversary of the Independence of Maldives.
Source:
https://t.co/q452RSVPFg
@naomi2009@Iyervval@jsaideepak@MEAIndia@HCI_London@IGFupdates@mygovindia
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit the United Kingdom by the end of July, marking a high-profile diplomatic engagement.
The visit is likely to culminate in the formal signing of the long-anticipated India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and explore avenues to deepen bilateral cooperation in defence, technology, and regional security.
Both governments are currently finalising the dates for the visit, which would mark PM Modi's first trip to the UK since negotiations on the FTA were formally concluded earlier this year.
#NaMointheUK
Source: https://t.co/jZdcbKNzmv
@HCI_London@jsaideepak@MEAIndia@naomi2009@narendramodi@PiyushGoyal
Today I will be interacting with the Indian diaspora in West London on 'Spirit of the Constitution - Human Rights in the Indian Context' at an event organised by @FISI_UK.
Please join us to listen to @KanoongoPriyank (Member National Human Rights Commission and Former Chairperson National Commission for Protection of Child Rights, Government of India) who will be interacting with the Indian diaspora in West #London tomorrow on the topic 'The Spirit of the Constitution - Human Rights in the Indian Context'.
Please Register to attend: https://t.co/LWhi1DOIjO
(10/10) Despite occasional admissions from Pakistani officials, the nation maintains a dual stance on terrorism, denying its role while facilitating terrorist activities. This thread underscores how Pakistan's strategic use of terrorism for geopolitical leverage has fuelled instability in South Asia and beyond. The contradictions within Pakistan's leadership highlight a state unwilling to sever its dangerous ties with terrorism, compelling the international community to confront the reality of Pakistan as a sponsor of global terrorism.
@amanbhogal@HCI_London@BobBlackman@CJBdingo25@IYES@DrSJaishankar@ShefVaidya@CharlotteFLit@authoramish@MEAIndia