The United Kingdom’s Minister of State for the Middle East, South Asia, and UN, Tariq Ahmad, has arrived in India for a significant visit aimed at launching two sustainability projects. The British High Commission revealed that Ahmad will unveil a heat mitigation project in collaboration with Tamil Nadu’s State Planning Commission in Chennai. This project will provide recommendations to the state government to address extreme heat-related deaths and prevent the loss of vital ecosystems.
Additionally, Ahmad will launch an electronic and battery waste management project, collaborating with the Tamil Nadu Department of Environment and Climate Change. This initiative aims to develop a comprehensive plan to reduce battery waste, contributing to sustainable waste management practices.
During his trip, Ahmad expressed enthusiasm for exploring new opportunities to collaborate, particularly in sectors like clean energy. The visit will include promoting joint innovation projects with dynamic Indian businesses, ranging from renewable manufacturing to financial services. Ahmad highlighted the importance of the close trade partnership between the two countries in facilitating such collaborations.
As part of his itinerary, Ahmad will deliver the keynote speech at the Tamil Nadu Global Investors Meet, emphasizing the significance of sustainable development and collaboration in the region. The minister will also participate in the Biennial Investors’ Summit at Vibrant Gujarat, further fostering ties between the UK and India.
In the backdrop of the visit, the fourteenth round of free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations between India and the UK is set to commence this month. The ongoing India-UK free trade agreement talks have completed 13 rounds of negotiations from September 18 to December 15. These negotiations cover a spectrum of complex issues, including goods, services, and investment, reflecting the commitment of both nations to fostering robust economic and trade relations.
Tariq Ahmad’s visit underscores the mutual interest in sustainable development and collaboration on critical environmental issues. The joint initiatives launched during this visit are expected to contribute significantly to addressing environmental challenges and fostering a path towards greener and more sustainable practices in India.
