The India-UK Migration and Mobility pact will facilitate ease of migration and expand economic cooperation in the field of labor and employment.

With India and the United Kingdom signing a Memorandum of Understanding on Migration and Mobility partnership, the doors have been opened for more collaboration between both sides in educational, cultural, technological, and other areas of trade, British diplomat Margot James has said.

The former Minister of Culture, Communication, and Creative Industries added that she would love to learn from the replica of Indian Institute of Technology in Britain, inviting IIT graduates to come and broaden their horizon in the country.

In an exclusive interview with India News Network, James said, “We as a country need to welcome people with skills and talents to overcome the Covid-19 crisis. Many young Indian people who want to grow in that horizon can come to Britain and I heard it will be the other way around as well. You have in India the Indian Institute of Technology. I would love to see that model replicate in the UK. I would like to learn from the Indian replica. But meanwhile, I would encourage the graduates of IITs to come and broaden that horizon in Britain. We really do need engineering and technology skills that India has been investing in over the years. So, overall I think it is a very big thing for our economy but also a very big opportunity for the young people.”

The Migration and Mobility MoU reaffirms the determination of both sides to strengthen cooperation in the field of mobility and migration, with a view to encouraging the legal and orderly movement of students and professional skilled workers to each other’s countries, subject to the opportunities available.

Recognizing the long-standing and historical bonds of friendship between India and the UK, both sides signed this MoU that will facilitate ease of migration and expand economic cooperation in the field of labor and employment.

The signing of the MoU came ahead of the virtual bilateral summit between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK Prime Minister Borris Johnson wherein a 2030 Roadmap was laid to further the bilateral ties in multi-faceted areas.

One of the important areas the 2030 roadmap is expected to cover is the enhancement of cultural relations with support for collaboration, research and exchange in partnership with cultural innovators, creative organizations and heritage sectors to strengthen the creative economy.

Speaking about the same, the former Minister of Culture, Communication, and Creative Industries said, “I think it is very important to raise the status of the creative industry as a core of our relationship with India. There is already a flow between the cultural sector between India and Britain in terms of film, art and other cultural industries. I think if we make it a highlight of our trading relationship, we will increase the cost flow of ideas and creativity. The sector is growing and the way ahead is vibrant especially in the Western Midlands. There is a lot we are doing that people from the Indian heritage can get involved in.”

The 2030 Roadmap will also Implement ‘India-UK Together’ (‘SAATH-SAATH’ in Hindi), a joint cultural exchange programme between the two countries to celebrate India’s 75th anniversary of Independence this year.

Both sides will work towards creating a vibrant arts and culture programme together in 2022 to strengthen artistic collaboration, skills and networks for the creative economies of both countries as part of the UK and India’s Living Bridge.

“As the new generation grows in Britain, it will forge the way ahead in the contemporary relationship with India especially on its 75th anniversary. I think art, poetry, and history are appreciated by the British population who visit India. There is a huge area where India and the UK can rely on if we take forward our cultural ties,” James said.

In the coming decade or so, James said that she looks forward to Britain learning from Indian achievements like engineering and technology.

“We have much to learn from the IIT model that the world envies. We look forward to building such a model here and I hope many Indian students also take advantage of our institutions. In 10 years, our countries will benefit from the cultural and heritage agreement,” she said.

Besides, James said that overall the 2030 Roadmap will benefit Britain and Indian consumers in many ways.

“The other area that will be benefited by the agreement will be in terms of vaccines. Serum Institute of India has been working excellently in India and we are also working with them on a joint study and more the vaccines will be available at low price for a single dose would be fantastic,” she added.