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I want Indians to discover the UK beyond London: British envoy

Ben Mellor, the Acting British High Commissioner to India, explores the cultural connections, shared ambitions and everyday experiences that bind Britain and India.

Whether it is through students choosing British universities, Indian companies investing in Britain, Premier League football discussions over coffee or the simple love of a good cup of chai, there is a sense of familiarity between the UK and India that is hard to miss.

Here in India, I am reminded every day of how closely British and Indian lives, cultures and aspirations are connected.

Yet I also realise that, for many Indians, the United Kingdom can sometimes seem defined only by London, rainy weather and perhaps fish and chips.

Modern Britain is about so much more. There is far more to Britain than London (and I say that as a proud Londoner, born in London and having spent much of my life in the city) — it is more varied and perhaps more surprising than the traditional images suggest. Like India, the UK is not one story, but many stories woven together.

London, of course, is the hub of global finance, insurance, asset management and legal services. London’s spirit of entrepreneurship is reflected in its vibrant start-up ecosystem. It attracts bright students from around the world, including from India, and some of the most talented professionals anywhere in the world.

Looking further than London, this is a country where centuries-old castles stand beside world-leading research laboratories; where Shakespeare and cutting-edge gaming studios coexist; and........

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