Our Bureau
London
The Conservative India Policy Forum (CIPF) has been established to foster dialogue and develop policy ideas addressing key issues at the intersection of the UK Conservative Party and the Government of India. The initiative reflects the growing importance of the UK–India relationship in an increasingly globalised world.
Britain and India share a long and complex history, and today their partnership is more significant than ever. As India continues its rapid economic rise—now ranking as the world’s fourth-largest economy—the need for sustained engagement, cooperation, and constructive discussion between the two nations has become critical.
The Conservative Party has historically played a central role in strengthening ties with India. However, the relationship extends beyond economic interests. As the world’s oldest and largest democracies respectively, the UK and India share common values and responsibilities that influence not only bilateral relations but also global socio-political dynamics, trade, and commerce.
In recent years, the close alliance between the two countries has delivered tangible benefits. Indian investment has contributed significantly to job creation and infrastructure development across the UK, while Indian businesses have strengthened the UK economy through tax contributions. At the same time, the UK has remained a key strategic partner to India.
The partnership was particularly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, when cooperation between the two nations helped save millions of lives and supported the global recovery from unprecedented lockdowns. Over decades, the UK–India relationship has also played a vital role in promoting security and stability in South Asia, though continued dialogue and policy coordination remain essential amid evolving global defence and security challenges.
The ties between the two countries are deeply rooted in shared history, the rule of law, language, food & drink, culture, education, health, defence, and security. Against this backdrop, the CIPF aims to provide a structured platform to discuss policy ideas, address differences of opinion, and strengthen the relationship for the future.
The Forum brings together experienced figures from the Conservative Party, Members of Parliament, and leaders who have been instrumental in advancing UK–India relations and engaging with the British Indian diaspora. Working alongside parliamentarians from India, as well as researchers and think tanks in both countries, the CIPF intends to develop a forward-looking policy roadmap.
The Conservative India Policy Forum has invited stakeholders to participate in what it describes as an important and collaborative journey to shape the future of UK–India relations.
The delegation from the UK will include:
- The Rt Hon Dame Priti Patel MP, President of the CIPF Shadow Foreign Secretary, Former Home Secretary and former International Development Secretary.
- Lord Rami Ranger FRSA, Vice President of the CIPF Past Co-Chair of the Conservative Friends of India
- Padma Shri Bob Blackman MP Co-Chairman of the CIPF – House of Commons (Parliament)
- Baroness Sandy Verma, Co-Chairman of the CIPF – House of Lords (Parliament), President of the All-Party Parliamentary Group of India, Former Energy & Climate Change Minister and former International Development Minister
- Nayaz Qazi, Executive Director & Co-Chairman (Governance, Policy and External Affairs) of the CIPF
- Poonam Goel, Co-Chairman, Strategy of the CIPF Diaspora Champion
