During his meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Brazil, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced the establishment of a new Indian Consulate General in Manchester.
It follows a campaign backed UK Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, in her role as the local member of Parliament for Ashton-under-Lyne in Greater Manchester. During her visit to New Delhi the Raisina Dialogue Conference in February, Rayner had raised the issue with India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr S. Jaishankar.
Rayner said: "The opening of the Indian Consulate in Manchester is a landmark achievement for the Indian diaspora in Greater Manchester.
“For too long, residents have had to travel to Birmingham to renew their passports and apply for visas. The new Consulate will make life easier for my constituents and will serve some of our fantastic local businesses, so I am delighted it has been announced.”
Rayner had voiced the calls of the growing Indian community in Greater Manchester who have faced challenges accessing consular services, previously centralised in Birmingham. The new Consulate will provide crucial support, providing visa and passport services, as well as opening doors for local businesses trading with India.
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Rayner has also backed the need for a direct flight to India from Manchester Airport, a long-standing demand for the British Indian community in the region.
Councillor Vimal Choksi MBE, from the Ashton Waterloo Ward, noted: "This announcement is a significant milestone for our community. The new Consulate will not only support residents but will also boost investment for Indian and British businesses.
“It will play a key role in meeting the needs of the Indian diaspora while strengthening the strong relationship between our two countries. I extend our heartfelt thanks to Angela for her efforts in bringing this vision to life."
Last month, the Indian PM had also announced a Consulate General of India to be set up in Northern Ireland.
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The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said: “Recognising the ample opportunities for further engagement between the two sides in the light of growing bilateral economic and business relations and with a view to better serve the consular requirements of the Indian community in the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Modi announced the establishment of two new Consulates General of India in the United Kingdom in Belfast and Manchester.
“Prime Minister Starmer welcomed the announcement.”
