London, Apr 8 (PTI) Indian High Commissioner to the UK Vikram Doraiswami was on Wednesday awarded the Freedom of the City of London for his “outstanding contribution” to strengthening the India-UK relationship.
Doraiswami received the prestigious honour, dating back to the 13th century in celebration of significant achievements in public life, at a ceremony at London’s Guildhall led by the Lady Mayor of the City of London – Dame Susan Langley.
It comes towards the conclusion of his over three-year tenure in the UK before he takes up his next post as India’s new ambassador to China.
“It is a singular and profound honour to be accorded the Freedom of the City of London, a distinction that stands as a testament to the heritage of this One Square Mile
and its vision for a global future,” said Doraiswami.
“To be woven into the historic fabric of the city in this way is a gesture I accept with the utmost humility and pride, in the hope that it contributes to realising the extraordinary potential that the Indian economy offers businesses in the City of London for mutually beneficial partnership in an era of great global churn,” he said.
The senior diplomat described his time in London as a “transformative period” for the bilateral relationship, including the conclusion of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
“From the landmark India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) to the launch of the India-UK Infrastructure Financing Bridge, our partnership has reached new heights,” said Doraiswami.
The Lady Mayor praised his contributions during the negotiations to clinch CETA, which is expected to come into force after completing its UK parliamentary ratification process in the coming weeks.
“The high commissioner’s leadership has been key in deepening the economic and cultural ties between the UK and India, not least during the Free Trade Agreement negotiations – ties I look forward to strengthening further during my visit to India later this month,” said Dame Langley.
“As he prepares to leave his post, we thank him for his exceptional service and lasting impact, and wish him every success for the future, with our partnership stronger than ever,” she said.
The Policy Chairman of the City of London Corporation, Chris Hayward, highlighted the “invaluable” role played by Doraiswami in the UK-India Infrastructure Financing Bridge – launched by the City of London Corporation and NITI Aayog in September 2024.
“As His Excellency concludes his tenure, we extend our sincere thanks for his dedication and the meaningful progress achieved during his time in post. He leaves behind a strong foundation for continued collaboration, and we wish him every success in his next chapter,” said Hayward.
The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the UK capital’s financial district known as the Square Mile.
As one of the oldest surviving traditional ceremonies of the British capital still in existence today, the tradition of conferring the Freedom of the City of London is believed to have started in 1237.
In the modern context, it has been extended globally to honour achievements in support of a diverse and sustainable London. PTI AK GSP GSP
