- West Midlands Combined Authority delegation unlocks new era of India–UK fintech, education and investment collaboration
- Universities, global firms and innovation leaders explore expansion into India’s IFSC ecosystem
- Coventry University deepens academic footprint as research, AI and sustainable finance partnerships gain momentum
- Engagement reinforces India’s rising stature as a global financial nerve centre linking capital, talent and technology
NE BUSINESS BUREAU
GANDHINAGAR, FEB 25
In a decisive move strengthening India–UK strategic and financial ties, GIFT City hosted a high-powered mayoral delegation from the West Midlands Combined Authority, United Kingdom, led by Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, signalling a new phase of cross-border collaboration in financial services, innovation, and institutional partnerships.
The landmark visit brought together senior representatives from the West Midlands Growth Company, globally respected academic institutions including the University of Warwick, University of Birmingham, Birmingham City University, Aston University, and Coventry University — which has already established its international branch campus within GIFT City — alongside industry leaders from mobility, advanced manufacturing, energy, artificial intelligence, and financial services sectors. Representatives from the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce and trade bodies also participated, with the visit facilitated in collaboration with India Global Forum.
Strategic Focus on Financial Services, AI, and Innovation Partnerships
The delegation engaged in extensive discussions with GIFT City leadership, focusing on expanding bilateral cooperation across international financial services, institutional linkages, and emerging sectors such as digital finance, artificial intelligence, sustainable finance, and academic research.
The interaction also spotlighted the immense potential for UK universities, fintech firms, and innovation institutions to establish and scale their operations within GIFT City’s globally aligned financial ecosystem.
During the visit, GIFT City officials showcased the rapid evolution of India’s first operational International Financial Services Centre (IFSC), highlighting its globally benchmarked regulatory framework, integrated ecosystem, and expanding opportunities across banking, insurance, capital markets, asset management, fintech, sustainable finance, and global capability centres.
The delegation was also briefed on the city’s world-class infrastructure, stable policy environment, and its growing importance as a gateway for global institutions seeking seamless access to India’s dynamic financial markets.
Leadership Emphasises Strong Future Collaboration
Sanjay Kaul, Managing Director and Group CEO, GIFT City, said: “This engagement with the West Midlands mayoral delegation reflects the growing depth of India–UK cooperation across financial services, innovation and education. GIFT City provides a platform for global institutions, universities and enterprises to collaborate, invest and scale international operations from India. We see strong potential to expand partnerships with the West Midlands across financial services, global capability centres, research and emerging technology.”
Strengthening Global Financial Linkages and Knowledge Exchange
The visit concluded with high-level networking sessions and strategic deliberations aimed at identifying concrete next steps, including institutional collaborations, investment facilitation, and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
The engagement reinforces GIFT City’s strategic vision of positioning itself as a premier global financial and innovation hub, accelerating cross-border capital flows, nurturing talent pipelines, and driving innovation-led economic growth.
