Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

Priti Patel visits India on ‘smart cities mission’

International development secretary Priti Patel offered support and expertise from the UK government to Madhya Pradesh, primarily for the proposed smart cities.

The “smart cities mission”, launched by Indian prime minister Narendra Modi last year, will set out to transform urban regions to highly advanced in terms of overall infrastructure, sustain able real estate and communications.


Information technology will be integral in a city’s infrastructure and the basis for providing essential services to residents. A number of technological platforms will be involved, including but not limited to automated sensor networks and data centres.

Patel made the offer during a three-day trip to India last week when she met with the chief minis ter of Madhya Pradesh, Shivraj Singh Chouhan. She agreed a partnership with the region on smart cit ies and said the UK will be a partner country for the Madhya Pradesh Global Investor Summit this year.

“I am here meeting my ministerial counterparts to make sure that the UK’s skills and expertise in areas like finance, job creation and infrastructure are used to support prime minister Modi’s ambitious plans for the economic development of India’s great and burgeoning cities,” said Patel.

In one of her first visits to India in her new cabinet role, Patel had discussions with Modi and Indian ministerial counterparts on UK support on substantial long-term projects. This included support for India’s urban development and job creation opportunities for the poorest.

“We will help India to make its urbanisation work and make cities real engines of growth by boosting business and creating employment – not least by ensuring British businesses are aware of the opportunities that exist for them by getting involved in this ambitious work.

“It’s by working together on long-term projects like this and involving the private sector that we will take our strong partnership to the next level to deliver prosperity, investment opportunities and growth for both India and the UK,” said Patel.

Patel, who under the previous prime minister David Cameron was appointed as the first ever UK Indian diaspora champion, paid homage to the UK and India’s special relationship on India’s Independence Day (15).

“On Independence Day, I want to celebrate the achievements of the Indian diaspora community in the UK who are at the cornerstone of helping the Britain and India partnership to flourish.

“For me, it’s the ties between our people, the invisible glue that bind us together, that makes this relationship so special. And that’s why I will continue to champion the UK’s Indian diaspora and the UK’s relationship with India,” said Patel.

India’s minister of finance Arun Jaitley and Patel highlighted ways in which the two governments can strengthen links between key economic institutions and centre’s of excellence.

The international development secretary also took time to visit the Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi, where she was welcomed with a garland of flowers, a chandlo (vermillion powder) and the tying of the sacred kalva by trustees and senior volunteers on behalf of Swaminarayan Akshardham and BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha.

After admiring the Mayur Dwar (Peacock Gate), the delegation made their way to the Swaminarayan Akshardham Mandir where they witnessed the world’s largest Hindu temple.

Patel offered her respects after viewing the Mandir’s architecture, before visiting the Gajendra Pithika (Elephant Plinth) that includes 148 life-sized carved stone elephants depicting message of social harmony, peace and spirituality.

She added: “A faithful visit and a most humbling experience. A very special Mandir filled with devotion and commitment for all volunteers.”

More For You

Manchester Police probes over 1,000 child sexual abuse suspects

Photo for representation. (iStock)

Getty Images/iStockphoto

Manchester Police probes over 1,000 child sexual abuse suspects

GREATER MANCHESTER POLICE is now investigating more than 1,000 child sexual abuse suspects, following years of public criticism and institutional failings in tackling child sexual exploitation.

A new report by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) has revealed the force has made “significant improvements” in dealing with group-based sexual abuse and related crimes.

Keep ReadingShow less
Diwali

This year’s Diwali event will still see Belgrave Road continue to host what is left of the festival. (Representational image)

Major changes announced for Leicester’s Diwali celebrations amid safety fears

LDRS

THIS year’s annual Diwali celebrations will be stripped back amid public safety fears. Leicester City Council has said there will be no fireworks or stage entertainment as part of major changes announced for the event.

Cossington Street Recreation Ground will also not be used for the festivities, the council has revealed. The green space previously was the location for the main stage and the Diwali Village with its food stalls, funfair rides, fashion and arts. The annual fire garden display was also based there, offering “a peaceful oasis amid the festive excitement”.

Keep ReadingShow less
Corbyn- Zarah Sultana

Zarah Sultana with Jeremy Corbyn during a protest outside Downing Street demanding the UK government to stop all arms sales to Israel. (Photo: X/@zarahsultana)

X/@zarahsultana

Zarah Sultana leaves Labour, plans new party with Corbyn and independents

FORMER Labour MP Zarah Sultana has announced her resignation from the party and plans to launch a new political party alongside ex-Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and other independent MPs and activists.

Sultana, who represents Coventry South, lost the Labour whip last year for supporting the removal of the two-child benefit cap.

Keep ReadingShow less
Hasmukh Shah

The certificate was presented to Shah at the Welsh parliament by Anita Bailey, Home Office Director Windrush Unit.

Hasmukh Shah receives UK minister’s certificate of appreciation

A prominent Asian doctor has been recognised for his services to the community. Prof Hasmukh Shah has received a certificate of appreciation for his contribution and services to the United Kingdom.

The certificate was issued by Seema Malhotra MP, UK Minister for Migration and Citizenship, as part of the Windrush Cymru Elders and Race Council Cymru’s Windrush work in Wales.

Keep ReadingShow less
Dalai-Lama-Getty

Dalai Lama looks on as offerings presented by Buddhist followers are laid on a table during a Long Life Prayer offering ceremony at the Main Tibetan Temple in McLeod Ganj, near Dharamsala, India, on June 30, 2025.(Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images

India says Dalai Lama alone can decide successor

A SENIOR Indian minister has said that only the Dalai Lama and the organisation he has established have the authority to decide his successor as the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism. The comment runs contrary to China’s long-standing position on the matter.

The Dalai Lama, who fled to India in 1959 following a failed uprising against Chinese rule, said on Wednesday that after his death he would be reincarnated as the next spiritual leader, and that only the Gaden Phodrang Trust would be able to identify his successor. He had earlier said that the next Dalai Lama would be born outside China.

Keep ReadingShow less